Debbie P.

Here is Debbie's story that she would like to share.....


I am so blessed in so many ways and by so many people. I was diagnosed, the first time, two days before my 49th birthday 2001. My husband made me go to the doctor after we noticed an indentation on my left breast. I know God has been in control the whole way. I had a day off and the surgeon had a cancellation. My breast cancer did not show up on my mammograms or ultra sounds. My surgeon was a cancer survivor and told his nurse he wanted to do a biopsy to make sure it was nothing. (I loved this man.) It was cancer and two days later he did a lumpectomy. I did the chemo and radiation, and also took Tomoxifin. I had lost my Mother to cancer and I was in a daze. My husband was my champion. He would take me to Kemah for dinner or for a drive to take my mind off my fears. Me of little faith. God was taking care of everything and I did not need to be so mental.

Life does take on a different light when you appreciate every day.

Four years later, I was having a discharge from the right breast. I was still under the care of an oncologist on 1960. He assured me it was not cancer and sent me to 4 other doctor's who could not find any reason for the discharge. A year and a half later with a new doctor and cancer now in my lymph gland, I got the correct diagnosis of cancer. This time I went to MD Anderson for my treatment. I now had two more kinds of cancer and my Dr. said I was an unusual case. She smiled and so did I.

I am here to tell you there is life with, and after, cancer. Both breast are scarred, but still with me. I have three little tattoo radiation markers, I named Father, Son and Holy Ghost, because I did not want a tattoo. I have taken chemo twice and have had radiation on both sides of my chest. I do not have any lymph glands under either arm and I am 59 years old. Thank you Jesus, Doug, family and co-workers. Life is so good.

I know you MUST be your own advocate and keep seeking help when you feel something is wrong. Doctors do not know everything! You have the right to change doctors, if you feel the need. I did!


Survivor

Deborah P