Treatment Experiences

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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.'"

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

"Looking back, I have to say, 'Wow, I went through all that and I came on top and survived!' I don't give myself too much credit and now I need to."

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

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"I did not allow this pain to break me. I told myself these experiences will tranform me into the best version of myself!"

"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."

"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."

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

"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."

"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."

"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."

"I took it upon myself to eat a healthy diet, keep a positive mindset, and to continue working without letting the chemo overrule."

"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 started treatment one day, and the next day, the war exploded in Israel. Life has stopped here and there."

"Cancer became a pause in my life. A moment to stop and look around to see who is there."