My Breast Cancer Story

On November 10, 2010, I was diagnosed with invasive & aggressive
breast cancer. I had decided that if I had cancer, that I would choose a mastectomy. I told my surgeon to please arrange to get the surgery
date affirmed before I left his office. He was really taken aback, I
could tell, but my mind was made up. My appointment for surgery was
to be on November 18.

I went into the hospital on November 18, for surgery. I arrived very
early in the morning. Family members, Members from our church, &
dear friends were there. it was afternoon before my surgery was
performed. The last thing I remembered, was looking up and smiling
for God. I knew He would be there by my side.

When I awoke, I was in horrendous pain. I didn't even have my eyes
open, but I could hear the chatter of the nurses. I let them know that
I had to have something for pain. Of course, they answered that they
would give me medicine as often as I needed it. I was in recovery for
a long time. While there they brought me a regular dinner meal. I ate
some of it.

Later, I was moved into a hospital room. I remember on the way
to my room, I became really nauseous. I was given a pan and my
meal came up. I got settled into my room and went back to sleep. I
I slept without waking, until 3:30 in the morning. My dear husband
was asleep. I had pain again, and had to call the nurse. She brought
something to put in my IV. My pain eased some. I suffer with chronic
back ache and was sore. I couldn't get comfortable, no matter what
I did. I think about 8 am, I slept just a few minutes. My surgeon
came in about 11 am & checked me good. I told him to please
dismiss me, so I could go home. He seemed reluctant, but he allowed
me to leave. I told him that I would be much more comfortable at
home with my back.

I arrived home at approximately 12:30 pm. It was really great to be
home. I walked around some, but mostly wanted to be in bed. I
couldn't nap nor go to bed and sleep that night. When I was able to
sleep, it was only for 6 hours, every night. After two weeks, I started
sleeping about 7 hours. I have been through many surgeries, but this
one was by far, the most miserable. I lost my appetite and mostly
drank Ensure or Boost. I did drink all of my water daily. It now has
been just over 3 weeks since my surgery.

I am feeling better now, but I still get fatigued. I have been out
shopping and went to worship one Sunday. I drove my second week
and went shopping alone. I did well, except for getting weak. My
appetite has come back to near normal for the most part. I don't eat
a lot, even yet.

I went to see my oncologist on December 7. She had received a
copy of the pathologist results from my surgery. She told me that I
had invasive & aggressive cancer. Because I am so sensitive to drugs, especially steroids, she decided to meet with a team of doctors to
decide what treatment would be better for me. They met this week
and all doctor's agreed that chemo is the only answer for me. Other
drugs will be added, but I don't know all of them. I don't have a
schedule when I will be starting the chemo, until I see her again on
12/21. I have to be healed before she will start, so I am thinking that
will be in January 2011.

I have not had a worry nor fear through this very unpleasant ordeal
that I have gone through. But I did have concern re: chemo. But, I
have talked to so many women who are survivors, especially my
Team, "Breast Cancer Survivors and Those Who Care." They have
given me comfort and told me that chemo is not really that bad. So,
I will be ready to take my treatment, knowing that if cancer is
anywhere else in my body, that the chemo will kill it. If you have
been diagnosed with breast cancer, Please join our Team, it is there
that I have learned so very much. I have learned how many of the
Survivors fought the battle of breast cancer and have won the Battle!!

I too, believe that I will win my battle of fighting the cancer. I am
so blessed that I got my annual mammogram and that my cancer
was found. I urge all women to be sure to get your mammogram
every year. It may save your life and keep you from suffering with
cancer that has spread all over your body. I give God the glory, that
I am healing and that soon, I will be cancer free!