Debrah’s Story (Breast Cancer)

In 2005 , I found a lump which I thought felt like a “fatty tissue thingy, like something from my dogs.”  It was found on my sternum, not where I imagined to find a lump. I always looked for those “hard pea shaped things” in my breast. What the doctors ended up finding was a very aggressive form of breast cancer. The margins were not clean so I went for a mastectomy. Later I did a chemo port, then chemo, followed by a bone marrow shot each time. I then did six and a half weeks of radiation daily.

I am a daughter of woman who lost her battle, as did all my aunties, to either breast or female cancer. My kid sister had a double mastectomy on May 25, 2012. She still hasn’t started her chemo since she has been plagued by a staph infection ever since her surgery. Yesterday they put her in the hospital. I am not sure why. Her and her hubby’s cell phones are turned off.

Last month I got a tattoo to remember my mom, aunt’s, my cousin, and my girlfriend’s that didn’t make it. I also wanted to get it in order to honor my sister who is just beginning the battle, and because I survived my battle.

I fight like a girl! I understand how complex that really means. It’s difficult when you’ve been there, when you are fighting to get the right care, dealing with the stress of insurance companies, and co-pays, when living should be your only concern. I got the I fight like a girl tattoo over my chemo port scar with my survival date. It reminds me every day (not that I would forget) to be grateful and to pay it forward. I try to be there for my sister, or anyone else just starting the journey of the battle for your life…you will never be the same again…but mostly your new normal is a good thing. Prayers to all. A cure cannot come soon enough!

Debrah M
Florida
Submitted 8-8-2012

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.