I heard “oncologist … chemotherapy”. It wasn’t my life that was flashing before my eyes. It was that of my beautiful babies. I never said the “c” word. If I said it was breast cancer, people would look at me as if it was a naughty word or with pity for my children.
I only had 2 visitors during all those months. People didn’t know what to expect or what to say so they just didn’t come. I was always stared at and never spoken to. I felt like other parents were afraid to let their children play with my son, for fear of catching the cancer. I can’t blame anyone for their ignorance. When I tried to research breast cancer, nothing came up except you may possibly die. Really…
Almost 11 years later, I’ve been through chemo, radiation, 9 surgeries, plus a diagnosis of BRCA 1 positive. It is so nice to say “breast cancer” and not feel ashamed. Breast cancer patients are no longer isolated the way I was. It is a completely different world, one that I’m so glad to be part of. When I see a person who is going thought treatment, I offer a hug, a smile, and a few kind words. I often feel as if my purpose was to brighten that one person’s day.
Despite increasing my involvement in the cancer support community and keeping busy mothering 2 children, I still felt a bit lost, lonely, and empty. So when one of my closest friends asked me for the umpteenth time to work with her to carry out her vision of making a difference with Breast Investigators, I gave in and I haven’t looked back. I now spend my days chatting away with survivors from all over. I feel my purpose. Breast Investigators answers all those questions I once had but had no answers to. When I was diagnosed, I had almost no information to guide me. I would never have thought I would be bringing the information and hope to so many others. Thank you to Angela for taking me on this journey and pointing me towards my purpose and my place.
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Sarasota, Florida
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