imcheiiie

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Username

imcheiiie

City

san diego

State

Occupation

Respiratory Therapist

Hobbies

Reading, shopping, watching movies

LIFE "ON THE OTHER SIDE OF CANCER"

I am a

Survivor in Remission

Age at Diagnosis

Diagnosed

May 17, 2005

Biggest Fear When Diagnosed

Not being able to have a family.

How did you overcome that fear?

I took one day at a time and told myself everyday that I would survive. I had too much to do still to let cancer have me.

What got you through your cancer experience?

My relationship with God, along with the support of my family and friends.

What advice would you like to pass on to others?

Stay positive and keep living even though you are tired and don't feel well from treatments. Pray and surround yourself with positive thinking people.

What would you like to tell other women who are either newly diagnosed or too afraid to seek treatment?

I was afraid too. I waited on seeing the doctor and let me tell you. I am really glad I went when I did because I caught my cancer in time and that was my first step to beating it.

Best advice given to me by a Survivor

Take it day by day and do the things you love to do in life to keep you going each day.

MY STORY

Photo(s)

user_story_field

I was 28 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer on May 17, 2005. I was scared and thought to myself, "Who is ever going to love someone with out a breast?!" All I had ever wanted was to find the love of my life and have a family. Having cancer was not on my agenda. I had just started back at school full time to become a Respiratory Therapist, I was working full time and I was having fun being a single woman in San Diego! How was having cancer going to fit into my life? I decided from that moment on, that I did not have time for this and I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. I had things to do and a life to live. Cancer was not going to get me! I had a lumpectomy in June and soon after started my chemotherapy treatments. I stopped working full time, but continued going to school full time. Right before my 4th (and last) chemotherapy treatment, I found out that I am BRCA-1 positive. I decided to have a double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction done in November, 2005. I have since fully recovered, started my career as a Respiratory Therapist, found a wonderful man to share my life with and had a beautiful baby boy on January 11, 2008. I never thought my life could be so rewarding. I cherish every day I have and I hope someday I can help someone else through the challenge.