On October 9, 2008 my world was changed forever. I heard those words no one ever wants to hear, "You have breast cancer". My mother was diagnosed 6 days earlier. So our journey began together yet apart. We lived 4 hours from each other so our struggles and triumphs were usually shared over the phone. She was a warrior! First, 6 rounds of chemo, then bi-lateral mastectomy then 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. My treatment, much less, just a bi-lateral mastectomy and 5 years of tamoxifen. Mom's treatment was finished at the beginning of June and she received a "clean scan" the end of July. The last week of August, everything changed. The cancer had come back with a vengeance and was in her liver, lungs and brain. She lost her battle on her 67th birthday, September 10, 2009. One more of too many that succumb to this horrible disease.
On October 23-25th I will walk in my 5th Breast Cancer 3 Day in Atlanta, my first as a survivor! It will be the toughest one yet since the mom's death is still so raw in my mind. I was so hoping that this year would be one of celebration, both of us beating this disease but God had other plans. I have been chosen to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies and I will be carrying the "Believe" flag. This has more meaning that I first realized, it was mom's password to several websites, I didn't find this out until after her death...
Please do your monthly exams and if you find something out of the ordinary, DON'T IGNORE IT!! Early detection saves lives, I am living proof!!
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