Diane's Lesson: Learn what is important and what is not important
Age at Diagnosis: 41 and 45
Breast Cancer Type: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Lymph Node Status: N2
Surgery: Lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, bilateral radical mastectomies
Treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, ongoing Herceptin treatments
Time in Remission: 4.5 years
Two Bouts With Breast Cancer - But Not Defined By Cancer
In the fall of 2001, when she was 41, Diane felt a worrisome itch and went for a mammogram. Her instincts proved to be right - it was invasive ductal carcinoma, for which she had a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation. During this time, she was separated from her husband and was raising two children. The three of them bonded and supported each other, as well as drew support from family and friends at church. Diane also took up quilting and found peace, accomplishment and an afternoon's break from cancer.
By May of 2006, Diane was ready to celebrate her five-year survival date, but breast cancer reappeared in the form of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, this time in both breasts. At first, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 inoperable metastatic disease. She took an aggressive regime of chemotherapy for three months, after which tests showed that most of the cancer had been killed and she could benefit from surgery. She felt that prayers were being answered. Diane went ahead with bilateral mastectomies and lymph nodes were taken right and left. Next she endured extensive radiation treatments. Still taking Herceptin treatments and having regular oncology appointments, she has surpassed her original prognosis, and is grateful to be alive.
Diane's Life Lessons
To those who are beginning the breast cancer journey, I would like to say the following:
- It's no picnic, but it is doable. Buck up and do what you have to do.
- You are not alone. You will be surprised at the people - some that you didn't know cared and some you have not even met yet - who will walk this journey with you before it's over.
- The journey will bring more blessings than sorrows, though it may be hard to imagine that now. Keep your cup half full.
- There will be days when you just can't get your cup to the half full point, and that is okay. Let yourself be angry, cry, grieve, or do whatever you feel like doing. Tomorrow is another day.
- Embrace an old or a new hobby. It will give you something positive to do and to think about.
- During the long hours you may spend in treatment, you will meet new friends - not only nurses, but other patients who will be a joy to get to know.
- Let God be in charge; He's going to be anyway, and you will find sweet relief in trusting Him.
- Prayer is powerful and it changes things. Do it often, and ask everyone you know to do it, too.
- We have all seen the T-shirt that says "If Mommy says no, ask Grandma." My T-shirt says, "If the doc says no, ask God."
- One day your story will be an inspiration and encouragement to someone else.
