We Won't Give In

Breast cancer came into my life at a time when I had lost my 18-year-old son; it was 11 months to the date that I found my lump and began my journey. For some reason this diagnosis made me stronger to deal with my grief and with the fact that this terrible disease might take my life. Just thinking of breast cancer makes me want to scream, "What have I left behind for my two daughters? Is this the legacy I leave for them?" This invader within has taught me to be more open with my feelings and has given me a strength that is unimaginable. My husband took care of me every step of the way... what support I received from him. I thought he was going to lose it since he was also dealing wth the death of our only son. He is my rock, my angel, my love and I do not know what I would've done without him. He makes me want to fight even harder. My other inspiration is my 41-year-old sister who is fighting the fight of her life. She has metastatic cancer, stage lV. I have never seen so much positive energy flowing from one human being. She has very little time with us but God, is she still fighting -- the hope generates from her like rays of sunshine. I want to tell everyone no matter what diagnosis you get, fight like hell and do not give up. My sister has taught me not all is lost. My wish for all cancer patients is to fight the fight of your life -- we are all in this together. Thanks to all the resources we have today, even the worst diagnosis has a chance. We need to shout from the bottom of our souls: We will not give in, we will win this fight!!!!!!

Cucqui, 46

Ridgefield Park, NJ

October 13, 2007