Ok i just met Linda today because she was tweeting about cancer. She told me she was a breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivor. I asked her if she wanted to write her story and this is what she wrote. .

The next few days were a blur of mammograms, ultrasounds, blood draws and physical examinations. There was ‘something’ there but no one knew for sure what it was. The radiologist suggested I talk to a surgeon. The surgeon didn’t feel he had enough information to do a biopsy and sent me for an MRI.

The MRI showed a suspicious area the size of an unshelled peanut. Everyone said it was nothing but I should have a biopsy just in case. The doctor removed an area the size of an almond and the biopsy results confirmed ductal cell carcinoma. Next came the lumpectomy during which they discovered and removed a tumor and surrounding tissue the size of a walnut. In post-op, I decided I was the mixed-nuts of breast cancer patients and told them if they started finding coconuts, I was keeping ‘em. I figured, that way, at least I’d have cleavage.

It was decided I ‘only’ needed radiation and Tamoxifen but as the months went by, the cancer markers in my blood continued to go up and my weight went down. I had ‘prophylactic’ surgery to remove my ovaries and very early cancer was detected in my fallopian tubes. More treatment, more rising blood markers, more lumps in my breast later, I had a double mastectomy. Pathology reports confirmed the cancer had recurred.

Since then, I have suffered from ‘reconstruction interruptus’. Due to post op complications and the facts that I am thin and have very sensitive skin, the first attempts at expansion failed. I have had a ‘lat-flap’ procedure on my left chest and will have the same thing done on the right side in January. Then, I will try the expanders again. So at this point, I have a tiny pseudo boob made up of muscle that used to be on my back where my left breast used to be, and a crater and some scars where my right breast used to be. It is not attractive but it does have some entertainment value. At the gym, when I do lat pulls, my left pseudo boob moves.

My story is mostly one about being lucky and making your own luck. I was lucky I found the first lump. I was lucky to have aggressive, persistent, talented doctors. I was lucky to have supportive people around me, then and now.

As awful as it has been, I wouldn’t go back. I am a better person than I was and better than I ever would have been.

I think the imagery in my painting is fairly obvious. If not, maybe I’ll talk about that another time.”

A painting I submitted to a Livestrong Art Exhibit (artwork by cancer pts, survivors etc.)

     I think what she has been through is telling to her strength of will. Shes a fighter. The painting i can say stands for its self. My take on it is, When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. I hope im right.