Deegail's Journey with Breast Cancer

When I was told I had breast cancer I was notified by cell phone and was in another doctor's office with my ill husband. Can't they think of a better way to let you know what is going on. The other doctor happened to be a dear friend of ours. The hardest thing, up till then, had been to turn to my husband and tell him I had breast cancer. I was worried about him, how he would survive without me, etc. The doctor immediately had us stand and hold hands and he prayed with us and told me I'd be fine. I was!

After surgery, and I was scared to death, it seemed like everything fell into place with minimal side effects and pain. The lumpectomy was much easier on me than having a breast removed. My hubby was right there with me every step of the way. When I awoke from the surgery he was right there to take care of me.

I take Femara, a very small and expensive pill, every day for five years. I've taken 3 years worth now and have two more years to go. I did not get sick and I did not lose my hair. I feel bad for those who have regular chemotherapy and get sick and lose their hair. There should be a medication pill for all types of cancer.

I had what they called mammo-site radiation. I had radiation twice a day for five days. We did have a hiccup in the schedule because the machine broke down and it stretched it into the second week. I could feel that "seed" or whatever they called it come through the tube from the machine and into my breast. The treatment didn't take terribly long. Other than that and being scared to death, all went exceptionally well.

I finished the radiation. At my local cancer center when you finish treatment you ring a bell to signify that you are finished with treatment. All those in the waiting area applaud you. I have been back for all my follow-up check-ups. Now the surgeon says to come back in a year. I was so excited. I got home as quick as possible because I wanted to share the happy news with my hubby but he wasn't there.

Seven months after I finished my radiation my wonderful husband of nearly 25 years was diagnosed with lung cancer stage IV and it had metastasized to the bone when discovered. The cancer was hiding behind a scar he had from surgery from being bayonetted while in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Had the scar not hid the cancer it would have been found sooner. He spent one month in the hospital and underwent radiation treatments. He came home and 5 months later after having chemotherapy the doctor said there was nothing more he could do. I went to all his appointments with him just like he did with me. I became his caregiver. Hospice was called in August, 2010, and he passed away, the love of my life, at 1:15 am. on Oct. 29, 2010. Its been really hard since he passed. When he passed away I lost my hubby amd my job as his caregiver.

I had a Bereavement Counselor from Hospice who helped me a lot.

I decided to fight this nasty cancer with all I can. I'd like to see the word cancer removed from our vocabulary. I'm living every day to fight cancer and take care of mine and my hubby's cats.