Here I am at 38; a widow, a mother of 2 teenagers, and I just got hit with the news that I have breast cancer…and it’s stage 4!!!
All I could think was ‘What are my kids going to do without me? They lost their father, they can’t lose me just yet, they are only teens (14 & 16). They have wonderful grandparents, but no one will ever love them like I do’.
I had a lumpectomy and 2 lymph nodes where taken out. Much to all of our surprise, both nodes were clean. But somehow, I had cancer in my back and hip!! All my doctors are still scratching their heads over that one.
I had 10 rounds of radiation and then came the chemo. My 1st round of chemo almost killed me. I ended up in the hospital for a week, not knowing anything or even who I was. After coming out of that week long stay in hospital, I finally get to go home…to wait for my hair to fall out!! That was my biggest fear; losing my hair. I’ve always had beautiful hair, and in just a bit, it was all gonna be gone!
My hair started to fall out, so a few of my really good friends and family went to a salon that is owned by another friend, and I started out by letting my daughter take the first crack with the razor. Then the rest of my friends and family got to shave a line, as well. I even had a few male cousins that shaved their heads in my honor, and one of them kept his head shaved until my hair grew back!!
I went from the brink of death of Stage 4 breast cancer to being in remission. I had so many prayers and I to prayed and begged God to spare my life just long enough for my kids to be able to be on their own and have their own life where they wouldn’t need me as much. My life has certainly changed. God was certainly there for me. There were many times where there was only one set of footprints, and yes it was HIS footprints carrying me!
Dina
Indiana
Submitted 8-28-2012
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.
Thank you Dina, for sharing your story. Just recently I was diagnosed with Stg IV also. The doctors decided to do chemo with me first. It’s very scary when they’re looking at lymph nodes too. Mine is positive for cancer under the left arm as well, but they don’t believe it’s gone any further. My tumor was 5cm … I’ve only had 2 rounds, six to go, and my tumor is already 1/2 the size it was. I love seeing stories where someone in a similar position is winning 🙂 I do believe that with faith, prayers, and a positive attitude we can do this! Women are so strong, this website and stories show that.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. I’ve had a lumpectomy & Lymph Nodes dissection. Reading various stories gives me the strength to move forward no matter what. I have 2 children who was born with physical & mental disabilities & they are the reasons why I’m working hard to fight Breast Cancer. I will keep you in prayer. God Bless you & your children
I was diagnosed stage III just a month ago- positive nodes in the breast and under the arm pit. So far the body scans are clean. But I am so nervous that they truly are not. I had my second dose of chemo yesterday, the cumulative effects just started went to bed and woke with nausea. Compazine likely will become my new friend. I am waiting for the hair loss to begin, they say I should have another week or so.
I have two little girls, 5 and 6. This scares me most of all for them. I have prepped them for each step. They understand cancer In a basic way and know I will lose my hair and likely have slow and sick days now and again.
Your story is the first I have read that truly inspired me. Continued healing, continued remission.
Dorothy