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Salley’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Salley's Story Breast CancerMy very first mammogram, I found out I had cancer. I am 45 and have breast cancer that has spread to my hip and pelvic bones. I haven’t had surgery yet because the breast tumor was 5 centimeters and attached to my chest wall. I’ve been taking tamoxifen to shrink it first. I have had radiation on both my hip and pelvic bones to try to shrink the cancer. My last doctor’s appointment showed a decrease in the breast tumor, and I have been scheduled to see a surgeon.

I have a 24-year-old, severely mentally impaired son who depends on me for everything, like a three-year-old. He has microcephaly, which involves an unusually small brain. I do everything for him, including things like dressing, bathing, brushing his teeth, and preparing food. I have a very helpful, supportive boyfriend, Daniel. He has been amazingly understanding and patient whenever I am having a “bad day.” I also have a very close, supportive, and loving family. My mom and dad have gone to every biopsy (3 in all) and most of my appointments, even though I was living in Nevada at the time, and they were 6 hours away in California. I moved closer to them in February 2016, only 3 hours away now.

I was working in a warehouse full-time and doing a lot of overtime before my mammogram in May 2015. Now, due to the bone cancer, I can’t stand for long periods of time, so I am on disability, which isn’t even close to what I was making. I have been struggling with all my bills and stuff.

But I am still fighting!! I have been told there is no “cure” for stage 4 breast cancer, but I plan on changing that!!!! This girl ain’t goin’ down without a fight!!!!

Salley
California
Submitted 03/07/2016

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.

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11 comments

  1. You go girl!! Sounds like my situation. I also have mbc and not able to work. Happy to hear that you have a great support group. Don’t ever give up. I don’t plan on it either. Fight like a girl!!!

  2. Carol

    God Bless you and your family. Keep that positive attitude and keep fighting like a girl

  3. Drea

    I’m praying for you. Your positive attitude is more powerful than you know. Keep fighting. You inspire me. I have stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. Its rare and aggressive but I will beat it. Thanks for sharing your story.

  4. Jim DuVander

    Sally,
    I am so sorry you have to go through this. I pray for you.
    Uncle Jim

  5. Sandra Hunter

    Sally you are a very strong willed girl, keep fighting.

  6. Iva

    I am so proud to call you my sister! I wish I had the most perfect thing to say to you….but what I can say is that I love you. You have been so strong and brave through all of this, which has all happened so fast! Not quite a year out of first diagnosis I don’t think. I am sure you have tough times and times of “let’s get a pink ribbon tattoo ’cause…..holly shit I have stage 4 breast cancer”, but you are handling it all with such grace. Life has thrown you more than your share of curve balls, just remember you have a whole team here on your side!

    • Brigitte Estelle Gaudreault

      Dear Iva,

      So you are Salley’s sister!
      Such positive feedback for your sister as you yourself is going thru a hard time!
      Well, tonite I pray for you as well Iva !

      ♥♥♥♥♥♥ KEEP FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL IVA !♥♥♥♥♥♥
      From Canada,
      Brigitte Estelle
      yes go for the tattoos! !

  7. Brigitte Estelle Gaudreault

    Dearest Salley,

    Today I grunted due to the fact I dislike having to change all clocks forward, then got upset that my son messed up my cleaned kitchen that morning…

    Then, as I am negatively cleaning, I remembered to think positive, so I was embracing the warm water through my cold hands (winter down here), and as I was swearing at all the clocks that I had to adjust the hours for Spring ” time”, every time I felt negative, I adjusted my negative attitude , I was reminded of your struggles and was reminded to say a prayer for you , Salley ! You are very inspiring, beautiful, and a very strong fighter!
    I want to thank everyone who are dear to you, so great full that family are close by to you, and a THANK YOU
    to Daniel for standing by your side and loving you…

    Thank you Salley for such a beautiful, well written and truly inspiring story !
    You are a true strong fighter… Keep fighting like a girl!!
    God bless…

    With love from Quèbec, Canada
    Brigitte Estelle
    xx

  8. Desiree Shepard

    You are one of the strongest people I know, I am so proud to call you my mother in law. I know you can do anything you put your mind to, and you have the strongest heart and will to help you along. We love you and will always be there for you, and for anything you need.

    With lots of love,
    Desiree Shepard.

  9. Janice Byram

    Salley,
    My niece Desiree was telling me of your illness at lunch today. I’m so sorry to hear about all you are going thru. Desiree has been blessed to have Your son become her husband. I have added you to my prayers.

  10. jlynn

    I pray that God. Bestows peace and healing to you. Catastrophic illness leaves us financially devastated in addition to the physical, mental and spritual battle. Hugs Jlynn

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