Treatment Experiences

"The ladies in my family live forever. Not forever, of course, but very long and fruitful lives. My mother was 94, her mother was 92, my great grandmother was over a 100, my mom's sisters, 80's and 90's. The thought of breast cancer never entered my simple mind."

"I kept a smile on my face and as I smiled, my family stayed positive and that kept me going."

"I fully appreciate the care given by the French medical system. My US health insurance surely saw my case as a bargain."

"My journal enables me to look back to see what I have endured and accomplished with the help of my medical team, my family, and my friends. My progress to now living my best life is amazing, and it makes me proud."

"My own lack of in-depth knowledge and early fears were eased as I read the stories of others and looked up details of my diagnosis and treatment choices."

"My cancer journey taught me the importance of advocating for my own health and the value of exploring every avenue, from traditional treatments to complementary therapies."

"This journey of unexpected twists and turns has been trying, but from deep within and from the love and concern from others, you’re able to stand firm and not waiver under the pressure."

"I have many friends who have had breast cancer; some with a lumpectomy, others full mastectomy. Common subject is the lack of good information from the physicians."

"Don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for material. It's okay to say, 'Let me research this and I'll let you know,' when they want you to rush to a decision."

"It's important to stay hopeful and never give up. Cancer can be a tough journey, but remember that you are stronger than you think."

"What I wish people understood about breast cancer diagnosis is that at first it is extremely overwhelming and it almost feels like being hit by a neverending and relentless storm of activities and emotions."

"In this case, it was fortunate timing that my delay in scheduling actually resulted in early detection of the cancer."

"Once I got on the table, and the light shone on me to do the surgery, I told the anesthesia doctor I did not want to do it anymore. Seven hours later I woke up with no breasts."

"I was taken by surprise when breast cancer became the central concern throughout the entirety of the year."

"The radiologist told me he felt that what the MRI picked up was most likely due to the mastitis infection. Two days later, my doctor's office called and she said, 'Your persistence has paid off. You do have breast cancer.'"

"It wasn’t my first time facing cancer. That experience shaped me — it taught me grit, gratitude, and the power of early detection. It also showed me how to survive when the world shifts beneath you."

"To realize I went in for a mastectomy but that my legs weren’t working properly was completely upsetting to me."

"I fully expected to receive the 'Great results, see you next year!' letter in the mail. Surprisingly, a few weeks later, the letter said 'something' appeared in the mammogram."