Bonnie's Story: Celebrating 23 Years: Cancer Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Bonnie L. Grant is a Breastcancer.org Community member in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Be hopeful!
Breast cancer did not run in my family but I was diagnosed with stage IIIB breast cancer in August, 2000. I had been just too busy to follow up with medical care for a pea-sized lump that had grown to 7cm in size.
One oncologist told me it was a big, ugly cancer. He also said sometimes the big ugly ones are the easiest to kill.
I had four rounds of pre-surgery chemotherapy, followed by a right breast mastectomy and tram flap reconstruction. Then I was told I needed an additional six rounds of chemotherapy and 25 days of radiation.
I worked through it and sported hats, wigs, bangs and baldness. I was tired, then fine, then more tired.
Then I did five years of tamoxifen.
My young sons (two) followed my lead. I told them all was fine, it was a way of life for a short while. Certainly I was bent but never broken.
My sons are grown now and breast cancer remains in our rearview mirror.
I have had no evidence of disease since then and I often share my story to inspire others who are newly diagnosed.
I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and organizations like Breastcancer.org. I believe the cure is around here somewhere and we just have to find it!
