I don't think you really recover from this surgery, it has left me feeling very sad, I miss my (breast)!

Cancer has no family, no friends, no soul and no love.

Cancer has interrupted my life, but it will not define it and certainly will not take it.

Cancer has slowed me down, but it will not stop me.

Cancer has given me the chance to find myself in my childrens' eyes and be the mother I was meant to be but was to busy to be.

Cancer has shown me what true friendship is and what "in sickness and in health" really means.

I do not hate this cancer that has momentarily stolen my days.

I do not even fear it, and I don't want any of you to either, at least not on my behalf.

Because, unlike cancer, I DO have family, friends, love and God; and I need nothing more now or ever....

Twelve years ago at age 58 I was diagnosed with early stage cancer, followed by a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. It changed my life, for as with many others who have undergone trauma, I no longer was willing to put off doing things that were important to me, but which had gotten derailed in the midst of every day living. I started studying to be a personal trainer, specializing in seniors and special populations (breast cancer recovery, diabetes, Parkinsons, etc.). I take pleasure in the small but important activities of life: family, friends, gardening, reading, art. In addition, I retired from my office job and now take great pleasure teaching senior fitness pretty much full time. I also started pursuing a second career in art.

Life couldn't be more fulfilling. I work daily with people who bring joy and enthusiasm to my life, as I hope I do for them, and spend my spare time creating art. Though I was thrown by the cancer experience, it opened a new way of life for me, and for that I am thankful.

Sorry about the pun but my humour has kept me sane and not tense. I am 80 years old and I was diagnosed in June 2011. I was amazed that it didn't worry me too much. It was my fifth cancer and I just thought 'not again'! I have had terrific help when needed and have been supported by my family and partner the whole way. I have just learned that I am cancer-free and I can put it all behind me. Another battle won. I have been lucky and my message is to keep up with self examination, I never did, as I thought I was too old. This has taught me that nobody is ever too old so, to other ladies in my age group, I would say do try and keep on self-examining, it could save your life. Shirley, United Kingdom

In May of 2008 I was diagnosed with DCIS. After 3 surgeries and finally a mastectomy of my right breast, pathology said clear markers were obtained. In 2011 after finding a lump, I was diagnosed with metastatic adenocarcinoma. From what I understood, going from DCIS to metastatic cancer is pretty uncommon. I asked the doctor that done the biopsy, what the prognosis was, and he told me not good. At that time I had a decision, to make and that was whether I was going to become a victim or a survivor. I chose to become a survivor.I started radiation to the neck, and right chest in April of 2011 along with 6 cycles of Chemo. After 40 days of radiation and 6 cycles of Chemo, my CT scans showed no new growth in the cancer cells. As of March of 2013, there is no new evidence of cancer cells remaining. Thanks to my loving husband and the many friends that stood beside me, I am able to tell my story. There are many mountains in life's journey that we all have to climb, and how we climb those mountains determines the outcome. Along with conventional treatments, and not willing to become a victim I am able to enjoy my life to the fullest with my family and friends. Anyone that has been diagnosed with these types of cancer, I would tell them to never give up and become a victim, instead make the decision to be a survivor, and have a good support system in place. It is not an easy journey or battle to fight, but one that can be completed.

Last year on August 16th is a day I will never forget.I was told I had breast cancer.On Sept. 21th I had a double mastemony.No reconstructive surgery.I started on the week after Thanksgiving taking chemo.And by the grace of God I will take my last treatment tomorrow on the 23rd of March.I had the no-invasive kind.I will have to take the pill for the next 5yrs.My husband of almost 28yrs. has been so good to me.He has really stuck by me..Along with my family.My son-in-law even shaved his head....I have also had a awesome church family.Especially some of the choir members that I sing with in the choir..I have also learned to trust in God more and more!!!!Some of you may think there is a lot wrong with FB.But the friends on Fb. have also me awesome to me in my journey!!!!They have picked me up when I have bee so down.So thank you Lord for a fine family!!!!And also awesome friends!!!as of now I am cancer free!!!!!

I have a yearly mammogram. Last year I was recalled. Something was amiss. Another mammogram and sonagram confirmed that I had stage one in situ carcinoma. It was the size of half a pencil dot. How the radialogist found it was amazing! MRI showed two more preinvasive tiny dots. Had surgery, six weeks of radiation, no chemo, am on an estrogen ihibitor now. It's been one year and I am cancer free. My chances of recurrence are very small, almost null. I had no lump. My cancer could not be seen or felt. A mammogram and an eagle eye radiologist saved me pain, suffering, and most of all, my life.

I was diagnosed in December of 2012 with Stage 1 breast cancer after having a stereotactic biopsy and a ultrasound biopsy. .I had to have a lumpectomy on December 26, 2012. My tumor was a size of a .5mm pencil lead. After I had surgery and they sent my tumor off, it came back that it was stage 0. So that was even better, and it was an answered prayer. I had 21 days of radiation treatments. I had so many people praying for me, I am so blessed to have so many friends,church family and family that has been my support system. They are still a great support system,. My husband has been right beside me through it all.I am so thankful for my husband, He is my soul mate, and is always there for me. Just like God is always there for me, I am so thankful for my girls too. They are a gift from God! I am so blessed! I praise God for finding my breast cancer in such an early stage. I am so thankful that I had my mammogram. It was detected by the mammogram. The doctor said that if I hadn't had the mammogram that the tumor would have not been felt for probably 2 years,. I thank God everyday for it being detected so early, . Now I am on the road to healing, I had my last radiation treatment on February 27,2013.

I would like to encourage every to have that mammogram, it can save your life! If you are going through breast cancer, stay strong, stay POSITIVE!! You can do this and get through it ! It is ok to feel like crying,if you feel like it , do it. Talk about it! Talk to someone that has went through it. They can help you with what you are feeling, and be a good listener. They will also be able to help you with the fear of the unknown! REMEMBER STAY POSITIVE!!!!!!! GOD IS GOOD ALL OF THE TIME!!!! ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!!!!

Cancer had hit me hard. In 1998 my husband was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, and we lost him 4 short months later. So imagine my state when I found a lump one day while taking a shower. I knew the minute I found it. It's kinda like that. The mammogram and US confirmed my fears, and the biopsy showed a stage 2 invasive ductal cancer.

I opted for a double mastectomy, mostly because I also have moderate generalized anxiety disorder, and I knew I would never rest well unless I had both breasts removed. I had a wonderful surgeon who was quite thorough. I had two lymph nodes affected so 18 were removed. At the time I was 64 years old, with a history of other conditions, and the doctors and I determined that chemotherapy would probably do more harm than good. So I was put on an estrogen inhibitor because my tumor was estrogen positive.

I turned to macrobiotic diet, meditation and accupuncture to keep my body well and my mind and spirit calm. After 5-1/2 years I have no recurrence and feel secure that I am cancer free. I have never regretted any of my choices. A strong and healthy mind and spirit is essential to beating this dreadful disease. And eating in the healthiest way possible.

I am a single mother of three beautiful children. In January I found a lump in my left breast. Even though I'm only 33 I have a high risk of breast cancer in my family. I was fortunate enough to find a place that funds mammograms and any tests needed cause I did not have insurance. I found out that it was Stage 3 Invasive Intraductal Carcinoma. I will be having a double mastectomy on March 21, 2013, with reconstruction later, and chemo. I know I will win this fight. I must for these kids cause I will see them all grow up and get married. One of the best things I did was start a page on facebook called "The "Wende" In My Life" where my friends and family can send me well wishes and see my progress. Feel free to like the page also if you are interested. I would love to be able to help others with their fight!!