As we all know this October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I have decided to bring you the story of a survivor. I would like you to meet my friend, Rose. Rose and I work together. I’ll never forget the day that Rose told me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her determination and attitude from the beginning was nothing short of inspiring. I was so excited when Rose agreed to share her story with the Sisterhood because it truly is amazing. So, without further adieu, this is Rose, and here is her story:
My Story.
I have decided to share this. I am 32 years old and a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosis on August 5, 2008.
How did I find out?
I found a lump in my right breast in April. I just thought it was a normal lump that women get sometimes. Well, it never went away. I went to my OBGYN, and he said that it was probably nothing, but he ordered a mammogram. (He helped save my life) I had the mammogram, and the lump didn’t show up. I then had to get an ultrasound. The ultrasound found 3 spots. I then had a biopsy that conformed everyone’s worse nightmare. —- It is CANCER. I was upset for about 15 minutes (never CRIED) and then I got myself together. Unless you have ever had cancer, you don’t know how you are going to react. You do feel very alone.
I knew I was going to survive this dark beast because I want to raise my child and grow old with my husband. I want to be around to see my child’s first day of school, first date, graduate from high school, graduate from college, get married, and see my grandchildren. I want to be around to see my husband react to son’s rebellious ways and to see my husband get more handsome everyday.
What happened next?
Once I went into survivor mode, it was on. I was going to beat this dark beast with help from God, my family, and friends. I met with my surgeon two weeks later. She explained the type of cancer (hormone positive and Her2 positive) and what she recommended. She recommended to remove the right breast completely (mastectomy). I told her that I wanted both of them gone. I didn’t want them anymore. It wasn’t a hard decision to make when your life’s at stake. My husband supported my decision.
On Aug. 27, 2008, I had a double mastectomy. I came through it with flying colors The nurse said that I was the happiest person she ever seen after surgery. I told her, “If you knew that you had something inside of you that kill you for 3 weeks, you would be happy to have it removed as well.The doctor was very happy with my progress and let me leave the hospital the next day. I didn’t have any pain. I give God and my wonderful doctor credit for that. My aunt told me that she has never met anyone that had as much faith that I had. I don’t feel that God is condemning me for anything. I feel that I am going through this because God knows that I am strong and that I will help others through this. I have never questioned God because he has a plan. I have never said WHY ME.
NOW?
Today, I am cancer free. I had Stage 2a breast cancer (two different types) and it was in 3 lymph nodes. I went through 6 treatments of chemo and 33 treatments of radiation. I lost all of my hair and gain about 15 pounds. I also had another tragedy during this time period. My mother suddenly passed away at the in of Oct. 2008. Not only was I dealing with the cancer, I was dealing with my mom not being here with me. I knew that each time I went for treatment, she was standing right beside me and she was holding my hand. My son is 2 years old now, and my husband has been a blessing. Not too many men would have endured what he has and stayed around. I have been blessed and it is nice to know that I have someone in heaven watching over me.
I recently had breast reconstructive surgery. My doctor was great. I am very pleased with my results.
Here are two pictures of Rose! The first is during her treatment and the second is more recent!
Thank you so much, Rose for sharing your story with us! You rock, my friend!!