Survivor Profiles

Leslie

At the age of 32 my health was not something I gave much
thought to, until the fall of 2004. I was pregnant with my third
child and early in the pregnancy found a lump in my breast. Sometime later I got
the call that no one wants to get; I had breast cancer. I would look into the faces of my two children, and think of the one not yet born, and want nothing more than to see them grow up.

After considering the treatment options available, my husband Craig and I made our decision. On March 22, 2005 we were rewarded with the birth of a beautiful little girl. I couldn’t have gotten through that time without the love and support of my family and friends, and especially my husband.

Since then I have met so many amazing women with stories very similar to mine. Programs such as Sundog Distributing’s Eyewear Pink campaign are making an important contribution to the breast cancer cause. Advances in research are giving hope to survivors and their families. With the alarming statistic that 1in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, it is crucial that we work towards creating a future without breast cancer.

Three and a half years later, I am a breast cancer survivor, grateful for each day. I will never forget this journey; it has changed me forever, and has made me stronger. My wish is that my three children will enjoy a future without breast cancer, and look back on my time with breast cancer as a challenge that their mom faced and won.

 

Lynn

My family has had to deal with breast cancer on numerous occasions; having my mom, aunt and grandmother all diagnosed at different times in my life has made the disease all too familiar to me. Because of my strong family history of breast cancer I started having yearly mammograms at the age of 34.

When a routine mammogram indicated the need for a biopsy I knew I had breast cancer; although my doctor needed confirmation, I did not. I remember thinking how bizarre that I was going to be diagnosed when my mom was dealing with her second recurrence. I always knew the chances were high that I would be diagnosed; I just did not expect to hear the news when I was only 41 years old. I was not shocked or surprised but I was devastated; devastated to think that I may not get to watch my 3 children grow up or see them graduate from high school or university. What if I was not there for them when they had their first date, first broken heart or when they got married? Would I ever be a Grandma and hold my grandchild? I was heartbroken to think that I might not grow old with my husband. And how do you break the news to your parents knowing that your mother will feel responsible for giving you this disease. What if I have passed this on to my daughter or sons? These are just some of the emotions that I dealt with, along with all the decisions around treatment options I had to make.

With an amazing husband beside me all the way, the love of a wonderful family, great friends, and excellent medical support I was able to deal with all the emotions and challenges that breast cancer brings. This story has a happy ending; thanks to early detection and treatment I am a survivor.

 

Jean

It will never happen to ME, I'm the strong one who looks after everyone else, yes, that was true for many years until one day:

Shortly after my 40th birthday, my Doctor suggested that I have a mammogram as a preventive measure, That suggestion saved my life. About 10 days after the "big squeeze" I received a call that a lump was found in my right breast. 2 surgeries, 12 weeks of daily treatment at the cancer center, 5 years of follow-up medication and truly a life changing experience, I am happy to say I am cancer free.

Although I am ashamed to admit this, that prior to having breast cancer I did not donate or purchase items from companies who donate percentages of their sales to the Breast Cancer Foundation. But having to experience the treatment has made me realize that the generosity from organizations such as eyewear pink has made it possible for survivors such as myself to receive treatment from new technology provided by you.

A Special heartfelt thanks to my darling husband, sisters and brothers who gave me strength and encouragement to get me through what I pray will one day be a thing of the past.