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Debbie M.
Kellogg's

I went for my routine mammogram at the end of March 2003 and received the dreaded call saying I tested positive for cancer on April Fools Day. When my surgeon reviewed my mammogram she was extremely impressed that the radiologists were able to see it. They caught it very early when it could have easily been overlooked since it couldn’t be felt and it was only detected by a mammogram. After reviewing my biopsy results, my oncologist said she wanted to treat it very aggressively with chemo and radiation at the same time. Chemo wasn’t pleasant; my hair started falling out and I was getting sick but I continued working. My family and friends got me through it.

I went through everything and I remained positive for my son.

My son was 19 and his grandmother was going through cancer at the same time. I was a single mother and he was worried about losing both of us. I went through everything and I remained positive for my son. I could go to my room and breakdown but never in front of him. I also had an extremely good friend who came with me or sat with me when I was sick. I went to my oncologist early this year and she said I graduated since I was past my five-year mark. I’m finished with the medications but I still go for mammograms once a year. Be informed and don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family for help. When I first went to the oncologist I took friends with me and wrote down questions since I was still in shock. You are actually stronger than you think. I am proud that I got through the most difficult time in my life with a couple scars, the rest is history.

- Debbie

Debbie's Recent Posts
It's OK to be scared, it's OK to get angry. It's NOT OK....
Posted 9/26/2009 5:01:00 PM

to give cancer the upper hand.  Be informed, be positive and be strong!  Ask your family and friends for help.  They are scared and angry also, but if you involve them, they too become a part of your healing.  If cancer taught me anything, it was to cherish every day, every family member and every friend.  Because of their help, I was able to stay strong....most of the time (I had my moments, in private).  As silly as it may seem, the hardest part for me was when my hair started falling out.  It wasn't a "vanity" thing, but it was the "reality".  I couldn't "see" cancer, but I could see hair in the sink as I brushed it, hair in the shower as I washed it.  Those were my worst moments.  I didn't lose all my hair, but enough to make quite a difference to me. P.S.  Happy to report it's all back and as thick as ever....maybe even prettier!  Huh...go figure!

Each year I attend the Susan G. Komen For The Cure event in Orange County, CA.  Sitting on that stage during the "Survivor Ceremony", and looking out at the thousands of supporters, gives me such an incredible feeling.  I think to myself, "Those people are out there supporting me.  They don't even know me, but they care enough to get up early on a Sunday morning, to show their compassion and encouragement." It feels like I've received a "giant" hug from each of them.

Best wishes to all of my sister survivors!

Debbie

 


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