Scary Territory: The Twists and Turns of Breast Cancer

Entering my forties was spectacular and full of promise! I felt accomplished and excited about the changes in my life after meeting my husband while on vacation in Mexico. Months after my marriage and moving with my boys from Canada to Michigan, it all took a surprising twist. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I found the lump on self-examination. It was shocking that I had developed a 5-cm tumor with lymph nodes involved since my last mammogram only 18 months previously. At the early age of 44, life for me had forever changed. Treatment was successful in putting the cancer in remission. Genetic testing found me positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, but I addressed that with preventative surgeries and follow-up. After my hair grew back and with breast reconstruction, it was easier to focus on the future. I worked on building my career as a registered nurse and establishing roots in my new country. A Life Affected by Cancer: Clearing Out the Clutter I made every effort to stay unaffected by the whole cancer thing. That is not possible. A serious diagnosis does affect you in many ways. I found things that had been important now no longer mattered. I was able to overlook sentiment and clear out clutter. My walls became filled with framed pictures of family and friends, and I sent out a lot more cards, made a lot more phone calls, and worked on friendships, new and old. Life for me became more about people – all people. I found myself caring about the woman strugglin...
Source: Life with Breast Cancer - Category: Cancer Authors: Tags: Breast Cancer BRCA2 gene mutation fighting for life living with cancer metastatic breast cancer National Cancer Survivors Day women's health Source Type: blogs