In 2008, I was taken to the ER for severe back pain which had been going on for quite some time. After a MRI they found it was cancer, but found it was coming from somewhere else. To make a long story short, breast cancer had spread to my bones and formed spots on my liver and lungs.
I was put in the hospital and put on morphine to control the pain until five days later when they decided to do surgery. They took out two vertebra L3L4 and put in two rods and six screws. I stayed in the hospital for six more days. I have done really well with my back for the past five years now. After recuperating I started with chemo. I had six treatments. I was so blessed to not be sick even though I did loose my hair. The chemo worked, it shrunk the tumor.
Then it was time for my mastectomy which was one of the hardest things for me during this journey. After that came 33 radiation treatments. I’ve been on a maintenance treatment ever since I finished chemo, first herceptin then a research drug called MM-111 that lasted for 22 months. I went in for infusion once every week. I then started having issues with my right hip/leg. After several test and different doctors, a MRI with contrast finally showed a tumor on my spine. It can’t be removed, so this past December I had 10 radiation treatments on my back which shrunk it some. I’m starting on a new treatment called Kadcyla. It’s an infusion every three weeks.
So the journey continues. My right leg is numb from my knee down to my foot. I have to be careful walking because it’s weak also. But I’m really trying to stay positive and have faith that God will bless me with more good years. I will continue to push forward with this fight.
Darlene
Texas
Submitted 02/06/2014
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.
This story 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.
My Sister, Darlene, is a wonderful person of courage, grace, depth, and love. It is an honor to know her!
Love you sister. You are such a blessing… Cant find words to say….
I love you so much! God has been so good and I believe he has more blessings for you.
My Aunt, no word has been created to describe her beautiful smile and positive attitude about everything. I don’t see her as much as I got to when I was young but when I do that smile lights the room and her laugh is a laugh I can recognize anywhere I do love her so very much she is truly an inspiration I pray for her everyday and think about about just as much. I’m proud of her & amazed of her optimism. I love aunty
Darlene is my friend and my siss sisternlaw. Have known her for a long time. I admire her strength through her journey. She i definitly an inspiration to others. Keep on fightin my friend. Love u.
Dear Darlene,
Your journey. I hope it gets easy. I pray you always shine bright 🙂 and I hope that for your sake and all the people whose lives you touch (who have written in and those who cudn’t), for their sake I’m sure you’ll receive a long, good, happy and pain free life. I hope my positive energy reaches you and keeps you positive through this all.
<3 stay strong,
Sabina.
My mom what an amazing woman!! You are the strongest woman i know! You have been so strong and brave through all of this. I am so proud of you and blessed to have you as a mom! I love you so much and will continue this fight with you…