Personal Power Stories

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Febuary 15th, 2011. I am a diabetic, have neuropathy, and going through chemo and radiation. My heart goes out to everyone going through this horrid disease!! I will survive - it will just take a long time! Jennifer Kentucky Submitted 10-19-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. … [Read more...]

My Story: Pink Combat I grew up proud of the Special Forces Dagger on the breadbox. I knew where the metals were hidden in the drawer. These markers of bravery never spoken of—beyond reference to the elusive Green Beret— A symbol of heroes not awarded, to a pilot, without marked time, boots on the ground. The Green Beret—referenced more often—than Purple Hearts awarded and lessons of war. No, there was no talk of bravery or what it took to fight a war with an invisible enemy. My hero has ribbons and scars that are rarely seen, if you don’t count his knee or inner core. That’s where there’s a mark, for the crew he saved as the pilot, landing ‘the Bird’. And in a back closet, in a room rarely visited; There hangs a uniform of his best friend—another symbol of battle—to preserve. As I grew; I resented those people, flaunting their ribbons and service awards. They couldn’t be real heroes; because REAL heroes kept ribbons locked … [Read more...]

In Oct of 2004 I had my yearly mammogram. The following January I felt a knot in my right breast. Within six days I had a biopsy. Six days after that I was told that I had breast cancer. I immediately headed to a breast surgeon. I had the breast removed, never had any problems, never had pain. After six weeks, I had eight precautionary chemotherapy treatments. Everything went well with this because I had LOTS and LOTS of support. Not just from my family but from a lady I met when I was diagnosed. She became my mentor and still is. I had lost my husband of 41 years to lung cancer in May of 2004. He was a fighter and had always been a very strong influence in my life, but especially when I was told I had cancer. He taught me to be a fighter and that is WHAT I AM. You must have lots and lots of FAITH IN GOD to get through something like this, but you also HAVE TO BE A FIGHTER!  The picture I am sending was made at our ASHLEY COUNTY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS dinner last fall. I AM A … [Read more...]

I was diagnosed when I was 42 years old. I was hesitant to go to the doctor because like so many women I didn't think it would happen to me. Boy was I wrong! I was at stage 3 - already in the muscle and lymph nodes. Had a mastectomy on the right side, 8 chemo treatments, 31 radiation treatments and numerous operations. But with every step I kept reminding myself that I had to endure it all to live! I refused to be defined by this disease! I knew that God could and would use me and my experience to bring good to someone, somewhere! I am a 3 year survivor and doing really well! I am very aware and appreciative of each and every day I am given. I wish I could hold the hands of women after me that face this disease and its treatment and help them through - let them know that they are NOT alone and they CAN fight and WIN! Barbara Arkansas Submitted 10-16-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s … [Read more...]

I was 45 years old when I was diagnosed with stage II B breast cancer. I had had a mammogram 2 years earlier and they saw a spot, was biopsied, and the doctor told me then that it wasn't cancer but he was pretty positive it would come back within five years and be cancerous. Low and behold, two years later it did. I had a mastectomy, went through the chemo and radiation, then about a year later had reconstruction which did not work. I still have to wear a prosthesis. I contracted staph infection twice so implants will not work. What has gotten me through this journey is my faith, family and friends. I will continue to fight like a girl the rest of my life! Pam Missouri Submitted 10-16-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. … [Read more...]