Cancer is not the boss of me
Exactly 12 years ago today I discovered a lump in my breast as I was getting ready for work. My sixth sense immediately told me it was cancer, and I was right. My diagnosis at that time was Stage 3 intraductal carcinoma. On January 6, 2011, I underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. At the end of 2011 and what I consider the “hat trick” of cancer treatments, I thought I was finished with cancer. It turned out that cancer was not finished with me.
In 2016 it was discovered that my cancer had returned to several places in my spine, hip, and humerus. My diagnosis was then upgraded to metastatic breast cancer (MBC) which for now is incurable. I have been on many treatments over the past six years with the goal of slowing down the cancer’s progression. Some of these treatments were ineffective or only worked for a limited time. One treatment had to be stopped when the side effects were no longer tolerable. One day there will be no more treatment options for me to try. Metastatic Breast cancer will most likely be what causes my death.
On this journey I have learned so much about myself. Having incurable cancer has changed me in many ways, both physically and mentally. Having breast cancer has made me a better, more appreciative and hopeful person. who is leading her best life, under the circumstances. I decided a while ago I wanted to live my life under my terms and would not let my disease define me. Cancer is not the boss of me.
I feel that working as a Registered Nurse for many years helped prepare me in some ways for my destiny but hearing those words “your cancer is incurable” was life altering. Now after twelve years dealing first had with cancer, I felt compelled to share the things that I learned with others, so I wrote a book. Sometimes life is hard, but I am very capable and surrounded by so many people who love me. I wanted to go public with my continuing journey in an attempt to ease the burden for other cancer patients. I hope you find it helpful!!!