Being Diagnosed

"Feelings of shame and stigma came washing back to me, and I decided to do the one thing we are not supposed to do — tell people about my diagnosis."

"After having the retirement party of a lifetime and looking forward to doing the fun traveling, golfing, camping, hiking, backpacking, etc. with my husband, breast cancer decided to intervene."

"I chased oblivion, seeking comfort in the next high, the next stolen moment. The lump remained a silent sentinel, growing as I withered with each passing day."

"My family history includes two sisters diagnosed with IDC at age 44 and 45. I am hoping to get approval for more advanced genetic testing."

"The first month is a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and decisions. Also a month of hopelessness and worry about yourself and your family and survival."

"I feel that it is very important for women to understand more about hormones and the potential impact on breast care. I hope they by sharing my story, others might benefit."

"Instead of seeing cancer as an enemy, maybe I should be viewing it as a messenger — an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and transform. Just like a caterpillar that enters the cocoon."

"A million things race through your head and fear takes the wheel. During that time it’s hard to find sunshine, a small ray of light that guides you to peace."

"I experienced fear, but I didn't allow it to take control. However, I never gave up, somehow I kept my natural optimistic attitude that was the key part of my day-to-day."

"A letter and some booklets came through the post from my GP. A letter starting, ;Sorry to hear you have cancer!' I fell to the floor in shock."

"The thought crossed my mind, 'What about me?' I was exactly the age she was the first time around."

"This was not my 'journey' -- I never liked that word during this process. This is something that has happened to me. But in turn has made me a better person."

"Remain positive. Think about everything you are blessed, fortunate, to have. You're alive. Air to breathe, your favorite blanket. It sounds cheesy but it really works."

"Twice the Doctors said YOU HAVE CANCER, twice you said CANCER DOESN'T HAVE ME."

"It took an ultrasound to find not one, but two lumps."

"I wanted to live, so I wiped my tears, faced the situation head-on, and got radical about living instead of consumed with dying. "

"Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Familiar words that suddenly felt foreign with my name attached to the report. In this instance I thought about my patient waiting and thought to myself, 'No one more equipped to help her.'"

"It was a unexpected call to receive after a call back from by annual mammogram. I clearly did not have time for what was to be my first ever surgery."

"Don’t try to go it alone. When you accept someone’s offer of help, you’re giving them a gift as well, the gift of being helpful and supportive."