These women reveal what it is to have breast cancer
Go beyond the facts and numbers.
Breast cancer is thesecond most common cancer Among women in the United States, trusted only by skin cancer. According toresearch Compiled by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, at the time 2018, it is estimated that 266,120 women should be diagnosed with the United States. But if breast cancer rates in women are handling, progress in medicine and technology have allowed women of the disease and live long and full. In fact, theAmerican Cancer Society Reports only for patients with breast cancer of Phase II and Phase III, the five-year survival rate is 93% and 72% respectively.
But enough with the facts and numbers. Breast cancer is a real illness that afflicts real people with families and friends and a complex complex life. Put another way: Each diagnosis goes hand in hand with a completely unique story. For a more human look at this omnipresent disease, here, in their own words - with a lot of humor and sorrow of love to move - these women reveal what we like to be diagnosed (and live with) cancer cancer Breast.
1 "It really broke my world."
"There were very dark thoughts during treatment"wrote Jennifer, who wasdiagnosed with cancer at only 30 years old. "When you hear you first have cancer, you immediately think of the worst. I hated talking to people and seeing this aspect of pity. I did not feel sick, I certainly do not look sick. And I knew deeply not to go out of that. I wanted to tell friends and family normals of a 30-year-old woman. 'I'm pregnant' we bought a house '; "I have had a lifting! "No" I have breast cancer "... it's very heartbreaking."
2 "Working ... kept me strong."
When preeti was diagnosed withbreast cancer At 36, one of the many concerns that crossed his mind was the future of his business. "As an entrepreneur, many fears set out on who would manage my event planning activity with weddings in progress while I was in treatment"wrote Preset. "My team intensified and manage what she could, and I'm proud to say when my mind and my body allowed it, I could work as well. It kept me strong."
3 "I fell into a dark depression."
"In 2014, I developed pain in my back back, which I assumed to run from trail. But an MRI revealed that all the worst nightmare of survivor cancer: metastatic breast cancer", "wrote Lara MacGregor, survivor of breast cancer and founder of the non-profit organization Hope Scarves, on the initial despair she felt of her diagnosis before finding hope and support. "Cancer has expanded to my bones. After seven glorious years, our family had become in the world of cancer. Only this time it was not full of hope. My husband and I have always been the type of people who make a plan and execute. We get things done. But, there was no clear path. We were devastated to learn my treatment plans would wait and see. How could it happen ? "
4 "Never stop fighting."
For Debbie Reft, Volunteer and HelpingOthers fight against breast cancer made her feel grateful for her support system during her own battle with the disease.
"It's been 16 years since and I'm fine. Thanks to my family, my children, and my friends, who, without me that I would not be here today. I'm now working with the American Cancer Society and I went Volunteer. Volunteer recovery and visit women who are currently crossing breast cancer; perhaps by telling them my story, he will give them hope as if I have been given. Do not stop you to fight and d 'Always love your family and friends, as they are the strength that gets you through difficult times, "sheRecount The foundation of breast cancer.
5 "I was going to fight and I was going to win."
Although some people fall understandably in a deep depression when they are told to have cancer, others develop a fierce and ardent determination to beat the disease that helps them even cross the worst parts of treatment. This is the case for Natalie Gamble, a mother, a grandmother and a survivor of denver breast cancer, Colorado, whoshare: "I became crazy - I mean fighting Mad- [when I was diagnosed] and I decided up to [that] No matter what I was confronted, I was going to fight me and j 'Winned. "
6 "The days I was alone, I cried so much."
For the survivor of Jacqueline breast cancer, one of the manyFights to cope with cancerfelt alone. Although her husband and her husband lived in Australia for six years after her diagnosis, all her close friends and families were in the Netherlands and she just did not have the support system she needed in a country of new origin.
"Outside my husband, there was no family to kiss and cry with"said Jacqueline. "There was no cooked meals, not many offers of practical help. Some friends let me really fall, but some knowledge is incredibly intensified. Again, the days I was alone, I cried so much . "
7 "I learned that living knowing that you can die is much more fulfilled."
Although Deborah's place of justice was diagnosed with breast cancer several times, she still finds a way to live his life to the maximum - no matter the pain she can be.
"So what: I'm going to die a day. So are you! I know what's important now. Who wants to live 100 years without joy in his life? I prefer to live the years that I stayed just as they are, knowing this which is really important compared to my old life. By the way, I plan to live many years with my cancer! "SheRecount The foundation of breast cancer.
8 "My job has become a sure friend at an uncertain time."
Breast cancer is a disease filled with uncertainties and anything that can provide stability in a life of the cancer patient is more than welcome. When Marianne, for example, crossed his treatment, shesaid That "it was a great comfort of having the assurance that my work was not at risk." When she informed her employers of her diagnosis, they understood her situation so much that they even let him know that "I had a job as long as I wanted and that I could work whatever the day and the hours that I wanted. "
9 "One day, it will not be an option."
Amy Sumner has been terminated from his work after receiving a dual mastectomy, but hopes that this treatment will not be the normal new for those who struggle with the disease.
"So in October 2014, I had the surgery. I was currently the store manager in a sports goods store, which I had been doing for 9 years and asked him to return to work in December with Lifting restrictions, I was told "no" and ended because I was ready to have my last operation in February. I am currently absent, but I'm going to make my mission to help women at Knowing that if they choose to try to live, or if they are fighting this dreadful disease, they should not fear or emphasize the fear of losing everything, including your health insurance. Hang on! One day, this does not will not be an option, "Recount The foundation of breast cancer.
10 "I needed to be able to talk to someone who would not want to reject my feelings."
Many patients with breast cancer consider that although their friends and family members try to be favorable, what they really want is to talk with someone who understands what they're going through . Take Diana, for example: when breast cancer took one of her breasts from her, she "considered it very difficult to come to the form of my new body shape" until she finally searched In support of a breast cancer support group and talked to someone who knew what she was dealing with.
"Finally, there was someone who understood what I had crossed and could advise and empathize," Dianawrote. "It was so gratifying to know how I felt was normal. I always debate with my image, but I come slowly at the point of everything."
11 "It may be the best thing that can have happened to me."
"Getting my diagnosis taught me how grateful I should be," saysPeta Morton, A self-proclaimed breast cancer "Ehir". "Cancer has prompted a complete reassessment of my life. I left my real estate business and I teach Reiki today, talk to lectures and I even wrote a book on mindfulness. Cancer was really a gift . "
12 "Breast cancer is not just a" chemo, surgery and "disease".
"I was diagnosed at the age of 24 after finding my size while applying a sticky bra," says Alexandria Whitaker, breast cancer survivor and public relations. "I think the most surprising thing I learned by my experience is that breast cancer is not just a" chemo, surgery and "disease" I had no personal experience of the disease, So I had no idea of my trip first that I would be placed on drugs for five years. "
13 "I do not know how I would do it without my husband."
The Survivor of Breast Cancer Mandi Hudson fully admits that his route at the recovery would have been much more difficult without his greater cheerleader: her husband.
"Mike sat by me, bring me my purple gatorade and I looked at each episode ofStar Trek: the next generation From beginning to end because it's how long I spent sleep while it was awake. He cooked, he cleaned and he rarely complained. Several times I just did not think I can handle the next step or get up the next day, when tears do not stop, my husband would talk to me about the edge. He always. I do not know how I would do it without my husband, he gives me strength, "sheRecount The foundation of breast cancer.
14 "[My little girl] was my reason for fighting."
"The only person who kept me go and made the biggest difference in my trip was my precious little girl," says Julie de la Mother and Breast Cancer Julie. "I described it as my therapy [and] my medicine for very sick days with the chemo. She was my reason for fighting. Although it was difficult sometimes, she certainly made the day and long nights , just with a smile or watching his learning to walk, talk, play and cuddle. "
15 "My Facebook friends were an excellent source of support."
After durable hours of surgery, the Karen McGuire breast cancer survivor shared a Facebook position with his friends who became the ultimate gift, providing an overview and support from others that she had desperately needed. Their support helped maintain a positive feeling of self and humor that was invaluable during this difficult time in his life. "And the best advice I can offer: Keep positive, keep your sense of humor, look for the good side"noted.