Within Every Crisis Lies an Opportunity

I’m nearing 3 decades of dealing with breast cancer and I have learned to thrive versus survive. I was diagnosed in 1999 with stage 3.

Accomplishing so much during treatment

I hate how the public views someone with cancer. I looked like Uncle Fester’s niece… bald and had lost both breasts but I still worked out at the gym and completed the Avon 3-Day 60 miles challenge. I had 18 rounds of double chemo and 6 weeks of radiation while still training so I was able to complete the 3-day just 2 weeks after I ended my treatment. I made a boob hat to wear. I had to have boobs somewhere. I couldn’t train my first week of chemo but pushed on my 3rd week.

One just has to remember to take one step at a time

In 2001, I was told I was metastatic and had only 6 months to live. The cancer had spread down my spine, peppering my whole liver along with three large lesions. I learned to see the glass half full, not half empty. I also knew the fear of my husband losing his job. He was overseas when I first got cancer, and I went through treatment alone.
I had a dream to start a regional nonprofit to help those who needed financial aid and emotional support. Circle of Hope, Inc. was created in 2004, and 3 years ago, it became an outstanding nonprofit in CA. Now we assist all those living with cancer. Having a purpose helps, but it also gives me the responsibility to provide hope.

Where I am with it all today

I’m now NED, no evidence of disease, but I’m still on treatment to keep flare-ups down (cancer hit my left hip in 2019). Long-term treatments have caused 65% hearing loss, mechanical pulmonary restriction from scar tissue from radiation, microscopic colitis, and immunoglobulin deficiency, resulting in subcutaneous infusions I have to have every 2 weeks. These side effects have taught me life still goes on but have made me empathic and encouraged me to take time to smell the roses and give a helping hand to others. I’m a matriarch in this disease. I’ve learned, struggled and eventually moved forward to know my cancer was a gift to teach and encourage others just entering this path. The wisdom and experience has taught me to fight and thrive despite limitations. I learned that one just has to think outside the box to overcome hardships. You have the power to overcome fear, enjoy what makes you heart happy and acknowledge your limitations so you learn to take other avenues to thrive from adaptability ❣️