True Faces of Breast Cancer
Welcome to True Faces of Breast Cancer , though I am truly sorry you had to find us. This site is dedicated to all women who are or have been afflicted with this devastating disease and who want to know "Where is the cure?" True Faces also welcomes those of you who seek knowledge, comfort and support as caregivers for friends or loved ones who are fighting the breast cancer battle.
We are unknown to each other, yet we are kindred beings, for no one knows the road we travel...like we know. No one understands the suffering, the fear, the pain, the sadness...like we know. We bond in this difficult journey, for it is a journey that no other can understand. Here, at "True Faces", we unite for knowledge, as knowledge is power. We unite for strength, as strength breeds determination. We unite for recognition, as recognition will bring distinct realization and understanding of the TRUE faces of breast cancer. We unite for support...we unite for our lives.
The purpose of the this site is to bring attention to the TRUE faces of breast cancer. Breast cancer has become an epidemic, with more and more incidences of women in their late teens and 20's being afflicted with the disease. In Marin County, California, 1 in 6 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. After all of these years and billions of dollars donated to research...WHERE IS THE CURE??? It is my intention to let the world know that we are demanding that breast cancer issues are taken more seriously and that more strides are taken to find the cure. You can help to bring this issue to the forefront. Spread the "True Faces" link and pass on the word. Tell your docs, write your congress person. Tell the media. Pass it on to people/agencies who may be able to make a difference. Let's get the world involved.
UNITE FOR THE CURE!
Many days and many nights may find your mind wandering...making an attempt to comprehend where your life fits into the future. Many of you will wonder if you will see your children grow into adults. You visualize future grandchildren, thinking you may never get the chance to meet them. You suffer heartfelt pain when you think about your loved one's own heartbreak, in the event of your demise. One thing to keep in mind is that having breast cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many women survive many years, after a breast cancer diagnosis. When the darkness starts creeping into your mind, as we all know it does so well, remember that new medications are being tested and brought to market, all of the time. Though the cure for breast cancer may not be around the corner, I have strong faith and belief that it will become a manageable disease, eventually. The question is...how long will that take? Absorb that knowledge. Insert it into your mind. Extract the dark thoughts and know that you are not alone.
The most scariest place to be in all of this is at the initial diagnosis. You don't know what to expect, what you have to go through, what discomfort treatment and surgery will bring, etc. Things WILL get better. Once you have consulted with your Oncologist and have a treatment plan in place, you will start to settle. Once treatment has started, you will start to feel more calm, knowing that something is being done to kill the cancer cells. We have all been there and done that. We know what you are going through and how you are feeling, both mentally and physically. Know that we will be there for you to help you through the bc journey.
We stand strong together in sisterhood, if you will, to fight the breast cancer battle. The day will come when having had breast cancer will no longer consume your thoughts. When that day arrives, know that "True Faces" will be there with you, in spirit, cheering you on as you begin to move forward, beyond your breast cancer diagnosis. There definitely is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far away it may seem to you, right now. Generally, about a year of your life will be dedicated toward getting through treatments and tests. For some, it may take more time. To keep from becoming overwhelmed at the whole process, do not look at the whole picture. Take baby steps as you move through the treatment and testing process. Look at one treatment or test and focus only on that treatment or test, until you get through it. Then move on to the next one and focus. You will be at the end of the tunnel before you know it.
About stats...they are old. The stats that you read, today, are probably based on 10, 20, 30 year old studies. Since that time, new meds for treating cancer have been introduced into the market and those stats should no longer apply. They have been "skewed" due to the release of all of the new treatments. Just remember that stats are numbers and we are not numbers. We are individuals and each individual reacts differently to different circumstances. Do not let the stats that you read get you down. The percentages that you read, based on those old studies, have improved greatly. Stats gave me a 48% chance of surviving 5 years. I had triple negative, extremely aggressive breast cancer, positive nodes, large tumor, multifocal spread, extensive angiolymphatic invasion, grade 3...just a horrible pathology. My tumor grew from an ache, where there was no palpable lump, to my feeling a lump, the size of a dime, within three weeks of that ache (I immediately got in to see a physician), to 1.5 centimeters, at the time of ultrasound...to a size that they could not get an exact measurement of, at the time of surgery, due to all of the intertwined blood vessel growth and extreme angiolymphatic invasion. I have been cancer free for 11.5 years, now, with no recurrence. Had I paid attention to those stats, it would have been the worry that would have been the end of me.
The very best thing you can do for yourself, aside from seeking support, is to learn absolutely everything you can about your disease. Knowledge is power and will go far to help eliminate some of the fear that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. An excellent place to start is at: www.breastcancer.org. They also have a huge, wonderful forum, full of wonderful women, who are going through the same things that you are going through, who will take you by the hand and help guide you through this journey. Knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your care and treatment. You will be much more comfortable being able to converse with your physician and being able to become a major contributor to your well being, as it pertains to your treatments.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can shatter the very core of your being...IF you allow it to. It will cause disbelief, anxiety and fear; fear of metastasis, fear of treatment, fear of the unknown, fear that you may not live. Some of us will give in to the fear and will allow breast cancer to rule...for a while. Some of us will step up to the challenge and fight for all that it's worth, right from the beginning. One thing is for certain...no matter into which category you fall, eventually we find each other, just as you have found "True Faces". We seek a common ground and prepare for the battle. We then fight the breast cancer battle...together, in a sisterhood like no other. We stand strong for the cure. Once again, welcome to True Faces of Breast Cancer; a place where no one wants to have the need to visit, but a place whose total support is all about YOU.
You can purchase books and other BC items from Amazon.com at
The BC Store
For an excellent selection of books as it relates to the breast cancer journey, Here are a few links to get you started:
** Caregiving
** Healthy Eating for Cancer
** Alternative & Complimentary
** Mastectomy & Reconstruction
** Breast Cancer, Family & Coping
** Chemotherapy, General BC Titles, Inspirational Stories of Hope, Survival and More
******************************
VISIT THE DIEP FORUM
DIEP Breast Reconstruction - New breasts that look and feel next to normal, without removal of your abdominal muscle(s).
Disclaimer: Information presented within the pages of this website is, for the most part, that of my opinion and for informational purposes only and not to be used in place of the advice of your medical provider. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your medical provider and to conduct your own research on any topic of interest, for fact finding.
PASS THE LINK, PASS THE WORD
Welcome to True Faces of Breast Cancer , though I am truly sorry you had to find us. This site is dedicated to all women who are or have been afflicted with this devastating disease and who want to know "Where is the cure?" True Faces also welcomes those of you who seek knowledge, comfort and support as caregivers for friends or loved ones who are fighting the breast cancer battle.
We are unknown to each other, yet we are kindred beings, for no one knows the road we travel...like we know. No one understands the suffering, the fear, the pain, the sadness...like we know. We bond in this difficult journey, for it is a journey that no other can understand. Here, at "True Faces", we unite for knowledge, as knowledge is power. We unite for strength, as strength breeds determination. We unite for recognition, as recognition will bring distinct realization and understanding of the TRUE faces of breast cancer. We unite for support...we unite for our lives.
The purpose of the this site is to bring attention to the TRUE faces of breast cancer. Breast cancer has become an epidemic, with more and more incidences of women in their late teens and 20's being afflicted with the disease. In Marin County, California, 1 in 6 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. After all of these years and billions of dollars donated to research...WHERE IS THE CURE??? It is my intention to let the world know that we are demanding that breast cancer issues are taken more seriously and that more strides are taken to find the cure. You can help to bring this issue to the forefront. Spread the "True Faces" link and pass on the word. Tell your docs, write your congress person. Tell the media. Pass it on to people/agencies who may be able to make a difference. Let's get the world involved.
UNITE FOR THE CURE!
Many days and many nights may find your mind wandering...making an attempt to comprehend where your life fits into the future. Many of you will wonder if you will see your children grow into adults. You visualize future grandchildren, thinking you may never get the chance to meet them. You suffer heartfelt pain when you think about your loved one's own heartbreak, in the event of your demise. One thing to keep in mind is that having breast cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence. Many women survive many years, after a breast cancer diagnosis. When the darkness starts creeping into your mind, as we all know it does so well, remember that new medications are being tested and brought to market, all of the time. Though the cure for breast cancer may not be around the corner, I have strong faith and belief that it will become a manageable disease, eventually. The question is...how long will that take? Absorb that knowledge. Insert it into your mind. Extract the dark thoughts and know that you are not alone.
The most scariest place to be in all of this is at the initial diagnosis. You don't know what to expect, what you have to go through, what discomfort treatment and surgery will bring, etc. Things WILL get better. Once you have consulted with your Oncologist and have a treatment plan in place, you will start to settle. Once treatment has started, you will start to feel more calm, knowing that something is being done to kill the cancer cells. We have all been there and done that. We know what you are going through and how you are feeling, both mentally and physically. Know that we will be there for you to help you through the bc journey.
We stand strong together in sisterhood, if you will, to fight the breast cancer battle. The day will come when having had breast cancer will no longer consume your thoughts. When that day arrives, know that "True Faces" will be there with you, in spirit, cheering you on as you begin to move forward, beyond your breast cancer diagnosis. There definitely is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how far away it may seem to you, right now. Generally, about a year of your life will be dedicated toward getting through treatments and tests. For some, it may take more time. To keep from becoming overwhelmed at the whole process, do not look at the whole picture. Take baby steps as you move through the treatment and testing process. Look at one treatment or test and focus only on that treatment or test, until you get through it. Then move on to the next one and focus. You will be at the end of the tunnel before you know it.
About stats...they are old. The stats that you read, today, are probably based on 10, 20, 30 year old studies. Since that time, new meds for treating cancer have been introduced into the market and those stats should no longer apply. They have been "skewed" due to the release of all of the new treatments. Just remember that stats are numbers and we are not numbers. We are individuals and each individual reacts differently to different circumstances. Do not let the stats that you read get you down. The percentages that you read, based on those old studies, have improved greatly. Stats gave me a 48% chance of surviving 5 years. I had triple negative, extremely aggressive breast cancer, positive nodes, large tumor, multifocal spread, extensive angiolymphatic invasion, grade 3...just a horrible pathology. My tumor grew from an ache, where there was no palpable lump, to my feeling a lump, the size of a dime, within three weeks of that ache (I immediately got in to see a physician), to 1.5 centimeters, at the time of ultrasound...to a size that they could not get an exact measurement of, at the time of surgery, due to all of the intertwined blood vessel growth and extreme angiolymphatic invasion. I have been cancer free for 11.5 years, now, with no recurrence. Had I paid attention to those stats, it would have been the worry that would have been the end of me.
The very best thing you can do for yourself, aside from seeking support, is to learn absolutely everything you can about your disease. Knowledge is power and will go far to help eliminate some of the fear that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. An excellent place to start is at: www.breastcancer.org. They also have a huge, wonderful forum, full of wonderful women, who are going through the same things that you are going through, who will take you by the hand and help guide you through this journey. Knowledge will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your care and treatment. You will be much more comfortable being able to converse with your physician and being able to become a major contributor to your well being, as it pertains to your treatments.
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can shatter the very core of your being...IF you allow it to. It will cause disbelief, anxiety and fear; fear of metastasis, fear of treatment, fear of the unknown, fear that you may not live. Some of us will give in to the fear and will allow breast cancer to rule...for a while. Some of us will step up to the challenge and fight for all that it's worth, right from the beginning. One thing is for certain...no matter into which category you fall, eventually we find each other, just as you have found "True Faces". We seek a common ground and prepare for the battle. We then fight the breast cancer battle...together, in a sisterhood like no other. We stand strong for the cure. Once again, welcome to True Faces of Breast Cancer; a place where no one wants to have the need to visit, but a place whose total support is all about YOU.
You can purchase books and other BC items from Amazon.com at
The BC Store
For an excellent selection of books as it relates to the breast cancer journey, Here are a few links to get you started:
** Caregiving
** Healthy Eating for Cancer
** Alternative & Complimentary
** Mastectomy & Reconstruction
** Breast Cancer, Family & Coping
** Chemotherapy, General BC Titles, Inspirational Stories of Hope, Survival and More
******************************
VISIT THE DIEP FORUM
DIEP Breast Reconstruction - New breasts that look and feel next to normal, without removal of your abdominal muscle(s).
Disclaimer: Information presented within the pages of this website is, for the most part, that of my opinion and for informational purposes only and not to be used in place of the advice of your medical provider. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your medical provider and to conduct your own research on any topic of interest, for fact finding.
PASS THE LINK, PASS THE WORD
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