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Carrie’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Breast Cancer)

by 2 Comments
Nov
18
2011
Carrie's Story (Breast Cancer)

I always thought I had 2 fears in life - one was heights and the other, cancer.  Well, I was diagnosed with late stage 3 breast cancer in 2007. I spent 3 days surrounded by family before going to the doctor to decide the plan of action. Of course, my mom went with me to every doctor's appointment. After all was said and done, I began a years worth of grueling chemo and radiation. After my second chemo treatment, my hair began to fall out so my family troops were called in for the head shaving ceremony that turned into a 2-hour melt down til my daughter came and told me I needed to pick myself up by my big girl panties and getter done (love my daughter). That Monday I had to go to work with a bandana on when Friday I had hair. That was the hardest thing for me to do - to face my co-workers in that way (starting to look sick). It was about a month into my treatments that I decided that oh, hell no, this isn't going to take me out like this. So I decided that life was going to … [Read more...]

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Lollie’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Endometriosis)

by 6 Comments
Nov
06
2011
Yellow Ribbon Endometriosis

My story began only 5 months ago. I was admitted with pain on my left side at our local ED and soon they got me in an ambulance on the way to the bigger hospital where I was diagnosed with appendicitis. So as usual with that type of thing I went in and had it taken out. But when I woke up in recovery, I can still remember those words that the surgeon told me "You have endometriosis and you might be infertile." My world came crushing down. I have never heard of this disease, how I can I have it and never have known about it. But after the surgery the nurses came by and explained to me what it is and what needs to be done. They didn't tell me how bad it was or anything like that. They just said you need to see a gynecologist fast. So they made an appointment for me at the local clinic. Took 3 months to get seen and the pain on my left side continued even after they took out my appendix and I was admitted to ED more then twice because of the pain and was drugged up with pain killers … [Read more...]

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Raven’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Lupus)

by 14 Comments
Oct
14
2011
Raven's Fight Like a Girl Story (Lupus)

I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus in September 2010. I spent the entire weekend in the bed, depressed and throwing myself a pity party. Until I thought about it; I have never been a quitter; and I've always led by example. I was only 27 at the time and, you know, it actually felt good to know WHY my body felt like it was falling apart. I still don't understand and I do sometimes doubt the doctor's diagnosis. I'm scared still. I have young children that I can't even throw a ball with because of my 5 shoulder dislocations (ortho says I'm too young to operate on). I also have bad knees, Raynaud's Phenomenon, degenerative disc disease & hyper-elasticity of the joints…. I think. Or it may all be the Lupus. I have so many questions – but my PCP doesn't want to answer. Just a prescription once a month for narcotics. I only recently began prednisone. I WILL BEAT THIS IF IT KILLS ME!!! What makes me the angriest is that I am unable to do anything. This depresses me. It doesn't help … [Read more...]

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Helen’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Addison’s Disease)

by 11 Comments
Oct
04
2011
Addison's Disease Ribbon

I had been ill for about 8 months and gradually getting worse. The doctors just thought I had a thyroid problem and gave me medication for that. In the end, I could hardly eat, got a strange tan, and then I went on holiday in May this year where I got very ill with vomiting, feeling very cold when it was 90 degrees outside, and having bad back pain. I was very dehydrated and could hardly walk by the time we arrived back in England. My husband took me to A and E the following morning. Luckily, the doctors there were really good and diagnosed my condition quickly which I later found out was adrenal failure, otherwise known as Addison's Disease - which is a life threatening illness. I was so lucky I reached the hospital in time and they injected the needed cortisone steriod into me. Now I have to take the medication daily for the rest of my life as without it I would not be here today. I now realize I need to make the most of every day. Helen England Submitted 7-18-11 The … [Read more...]

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Kathy’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Breast Cancer, 3 Times)

by 18 Comments
Sep
05
2011
Kathy's Story (Breast Cancer)

My journey is a long one. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Jan 2008 after doing a self- exam. The tumor was 3 cm and the cancer was hormone- and HER2+. I did 18 rounds of chemo and 35 radiation treatment then a lumpectomy and 9 nodes removed. In June I was cancer-free. In Feb 2009 severe pain began and my breast was fire red. My surgeon said I was paranoid and needed a better bra so I went to my family doc. He sent me to a new surgeon who did a biopsy. I had stage 3 inflammatory cancer - did several rounds of chemo the rest of the year and had a masectomy in Feb 2010 and none of it worked so more chemo. In Sept 2010 I was cancer-free again. A few months later I found several small tumors on my chest. A biopsy showed stage 4 metastatic cancer in my chest wall. Started oral chemo which sent me to the hospital with renal failure. I took a six week break and a vacation and started IV chemo today 7-14-2011. In spite of all this I am very blessed. I have a wonderful family and … [Read more...]

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Ebony’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis RA)

by 9 Comments
Jul
30
2011
Ebony's Story (Rheumatoid Arthritis)

"We’re only here (on Earth) for a little while…take this (Plaquenil) and come back in three months." This is what I heard after a year of testing, x-rays, blood work, CAT scans, poking and prodding, finally leading to the diagnosis of RA aka rheumatoid arthritis. Living in a rural community, resources are limited and folks (including medical professionals) have limited information for inquisitive people like me who need to know ’who, what, when, where, and of course…why.’ After a few months of personal research and basically begging for referrals, I embark on a new chapter in this long journey.  The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far: we have to be our own advocates in the doctor's office and in life.  We may have limited time on this planet but it doesn’t mean we have to sit on the sidelines. Go. Fight. Win! Ebony Viginia Submitted 6-3-11 The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s … [Read more...]

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Krystyna’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)

by 1 Comment
Jul
24
2011
Lime Ribbon

Well, when i was 10 my grandma was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It was a sad moment when we heard that because the doctors said that it couldn't be treated. We gave her treatment anyway. After awhile the cancer was making her lose her hair so she wore hats all the time. Every time I would see her I would be like "I cannot believe that's my grandma". So after a couple years of her having cancer she got better but was still ill from the chemo. She now has trouble eating spicy foods and has some trouble hearing. From 2008 until now, she is still a survivor. I'm happy she is still alive and well. Sometimes I do wish it was me but I know I will get it soon because breast cancer does run in my family. Krystyna United States Submitted 5-16-11 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...]

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Claudia’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Chronic Pain)

by 8 Comments
Jul
09
2011
Chronic Pain Purple Ribbon

Hi! I am Claudia, from Romania. I’m 17, 158 cm, 55kg. I had a happy childhood with minor, but frequent, health problems. My story started 3 years ago. I was operated for appendicitis in March. In April I woke up in a morning with a pain on the left knee.  It was swollen. It hurt more when I went. I said: “Nothing wrong!”, thinking that I hit it without realizing. It was before Easter, so I continued to be normal. No doctors, no meds. During a week, the pain continued, moving to the right knee, than to the right ankle. They were swollen too. I went to the doctor and she said: “I’m sure that this is rheumatism. You’ll have tests to confirm, but anyway you have to do injections of Penicillin!”. I was shocked because I didn’t felt sick. I went there just because my mother said to and then I found that I have this. I took the treatment, but when the test came, the doctor realised that all are normal.  She said: “Oh! I think that there is a mistake from the … [Read more...]

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Lisa’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Endometriosis)

by 5 Comments
Jul
08
2011
Lisa's Endometriosis Story

I have had endometriosis since I was a teenager. I was diagnosed at 21 but suffered before then. I tried Birth Control Pills, several different injections, and had three laparoscopy surgeries and to no avail - nothing helped. Finally two years ago when I turned 40 I treated myself to the best birthday present ever, a total Hysterectomy. I have never felt better in my life. I don't have to worry about having the symptoms and suffering anymore. It was the best thing I could of ever done! Lisa United States Submitted 4-13-11 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...]

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Tonya’s Fight Like a Girl Story (Fibromyalgia)

by 9 Comments
Jul
02
2011
Tonya's Personal Story Chronic Pain

My name is Tonya, I am a 42 year old wife and mother of two grown daughters. I have been in pain since I was about 13, when I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. At that time it only affected my knees. Then in my early twenties I was tested for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, all tests were negative. I was told to get more sleep and to live with it. I have struggled with random pains ever since. Although while I was pregnant with my girls the pain did subside. In 2003 my husband was diagnosed and treated for testicular cancer. After 12 weeks of treatment and lots of running around, he was cancer free, and still is. Also, in 2003 I took a hard fall down some slippery steps severely bruising my tail bone. After about three weeks my stomach started to flare and I was diagnosed with IBS which I was told was stress induced. I had to learn how and when to eat to make it thru the day, whether I was staying home or going somewhere. I went to see several more doctors and had … [Read more...]

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