This one is for Elizabeth Edwards. In truth, I know very little about her. My knowledge of her has been quilted by the numerous media excerpts, published in recent years. Nevertheless, her death affected me beyond what I would fathom. As a survivor, I feel stronger with every day that passes. I know that the cancer can and may come back, but I feel like a winner! I win one day at the time, and one night at the time. One more moment unaffected by the pains involved with having cancer and joyous for every moment I’ve been living passed that. Then, something reminds me of the frailty of our existence. On Monday, December 6, 2010, I read Elizabeth Edward’s note on Facebook. Mrs. Edwards decided to stop her futile cancer treatment. On Tuesday, December 7, 2010, she died. I felt my throat tightening. I felt pressure in my chest. I wanted to scream that this cannot be! One day she was here, and the very next day, she was gone! It was clear to me that it was the cancer sending its macabre threats. It perpetuates its presence through the lives and deaths of others. Through others’ pain and joy, it reminds me to live each day expecting the cancer to return and hope that it won’t. It’s not easy. In fact, appreciating each day for what it brings is difficult, but I try. Elizabeth Edwards’ farewell note was inspiring as it reflected her inner peace and readiness to move on; to leave our world and to do so with grace. I don’t know that I’ll be able to come to terms with dying early. But like Mrs. Edwards, I vow to find the strength to make each of my days on earth “meaningful and precious.”

For a while now, I’ve been thinking about writing a blog. I am not sure why, but it must involve my desire to write. I haven’t been writing much in the last couple of years and, recently, something within have been pressing; “write!” So I am going to write. I don’t have a plan, and I’m not sure what is there to write about. Be warned; my writing may involve some dwelling as I wallow in my recent past- specifically, my experience with breast cancer.

I decided to call my blog “The Joys of Cancer,” to remind myself of all that I’ve learned from my experiences in the last three years. Don’t misunderstand me. Having cancer is no picnic, but it puts things in perspective, and at least for me, it’s been an insightful ride.

My life will never be the same, and though at times I’m sick of it, I think about cancer every day. Not necessarily as a disease, but as an entity that helped shape me (physically and otherwise). I think about it as a lump because of which I became who I am, and in light of what I’ll become.

Though I love writing, sharing my private thoughts is excruciatingly difficult for me (almost as difficult as spelling excruciatingly…). Those who know me well may arch an eyebrow at the previous sentence as you know me to have opinions about everything. Yes. I do! But exposing myself through writing may be a difficult task. We’ll see where it’s going to take me. Consider yourselves my therapists! One thing I had to do while fighting cancer was taking risks and be brave. So here I am; I’m being brave!

Keep reading and, who knows, you may get a glimpse into my (very) ordinary life!

Young Women Beware! Breast Cancer is an Option for You!

Today, one of us will be diagnosed with cancer. This time, it may be you! A little over two years ago, it was I who received the dreaded news.

At the age of 33, and although I am the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, cancer was the last thing on my mind. Mothering my then three year old daughter, preparing for my husband’s deployment to Iraq, and fighting to keep my career going took most of my time, and it seemed I had so much time to move on, step by step, living and establishing the life my family and I envisioned for ourselves.

Then I found a lump. Then the mammogram, the ultrasound, the biopsy, and the results. Cancer. At the age of 33, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC).

At the age of 33, three months, and 16 days, my breast was removed, and a small device known as the port was implanted in my chest, right above my heart. For the next two years, in an effort to rid my body of cancer, fluids would enter and leave my body via that port. Some time later, I realized that I probably will not be able to have more children, and by age 34, the remaining breast was removed. To top it all, sometime through treatment, I lost my job. Life, as I knew it was no longer; neither were the lives of my husband and child.

Those unusual cells that my own body produced took me on an incredible journey through numerous obstacles. Thanks to the support of my family, my friends, and some warm- hearted strangers, I got rid of the cancer, and I am now wiser, healthier, and stronger then I have ever been.

Being diagnosed with cancer has adverse physical and emotional effects, and each of us will experience the disease differently. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age may be especially challenging as it is often unexpected and because most breast cancer patients and survivors are older than you. This emphasizes the need to spread the word around! Though less than 7% of women with the disease are younger than 40, young women can and do get breast cancer.

Fighting breast cancer at a young age can feel very lonely as most breast cancer patients and survivors are older. In addition, it seems there is less research and fewer studies that focus specifically on younger women with breast cancer. Younger women with breast cancer also face issues like fertility which may not be relevant to women of the older group.

My journey was long.

I remember the first time I looked at my chest after the mastectomy. A devastating sight! The area on which my daughter rested her head on so many occasions was now grotesquely asymmetrical. The breast completely gone, replaced by a lengthy scar.
Then came chemotherapy. I recall the awkward sensation as the first bag of chemical was administered. It wasn’t painful, and I didn’t feel sick right away. My body didn’t recognize the invasion. This happened several hours later in my living room as my stomach rejected the intravenous attack into a bucket that became a close companion in months to come.
A couple of weeks later, I lost my hair. My long, thick hair fell out in great clumps, and it was a matter of days before I became completely bald. I once heard the phrase “The bald and the breastless.” I can’t remember where.

I made the decision to fight the cancer

when I set to remove my breasts and undergo chemotherapy. It wasn’t a tough decision to make, and taking one glimpse at my daughter reminded me why I must fight! Living up to my decision was much more challenging, but I discovered that beyond the obstacles, even cancer has a positive side.

In the last two and a half years, I learned to appreciate that life can be over before one is ready for it. I learned that I have to have a plan B even when I don’t have a plan at all. I developed a new perspective on dealing with difficulties, and I found that I’m strong. I learned to ask for help, and I had to work hard to learn to accept it. I learned that not everything is in my control, but I stayed in control of what was happening to me. I learned to allow the support of my family, friends, and strangers fulfill my depleted energy source, and I did it! I found the light! Two years, new breasts, and several surgeries later, I am here to remind you to get checked!
It is important to emphasize that early detection usually translates into higher chances of survival. Get to know your breasts. Learn how to do a breast self exam and do it at least once a month (you can learn how to do it online, or you can inquire with your doctor). In addition, make sure to schedule regular physical exams and mammograms. Consult your doctor to decide how often you should have a physical and/ or a mammogram. Your doctor will advise you based on your age and circumstances.

Most importantly get checked! You are your first line of defense and a simple self breast exam may save your life.

It saved mine!