Biography

I am a two-time cancer survivor. I currently live in Oklahoma. I was initially diagnosed in 2001 with Stage 3 breast cancer. I went through the usual treatments: Mastectomy, chemo followed by radiation.

I was cancer free until last November when I went to the ER because of severe back pain. The CT scan revealed the cancer had come back and had metastasized to my spinal column and my right hip. I had major back surgery to replace a vertebra ravaged by the cancer and went through radiation again.

I’m currently back at work but am still seeing my doctors on a regular basis. My prognosis is good but I still have good and bad days.

Some things I cannot control. I realize that. Cancer I cannot control. But I can choose to fight…and hope for the best.

Cancer Symptoms

lump in breast and back pain

Surgery Description, Dates & Side Effects

Mastecomy (2001)
Back surgery (2006)

Radiation Description, Dates & Side Effects

Radiation on site of mastecomy (2002)
Radiation on T12 and right hip (2007)

Chemotherapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Oral Chemo (Xeloda) – 7/07 to current weight gain, tenderness in hands and feet, fatigue, irritability, feeling full; dehydration

Hormone Therapy Description, Dates & Side Effects

Tamoxifen (1/2007-6/2007) – Intensified PMS; ineffective against lesions

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