My name is Karen Tortoriello and I was asked to write my story for this spotlight because it has been over 2.5 years since I was diagnosed and I am healthy and going strong. My story began in April 2006 when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer . A regular yearly mammogram screening found a lump not detectable to me or my OBGYN, whom I had just visited 2 weeks earlier. I was shocked at the diagnosis because I felt so healthy and never would have believed cancer was growing inside me. I was 43 years old, an active wife and mother of 4 children ages 4, 8, 12 & 16. I had always been in good health, had never smoked, breastfeed 4 children, and exercised my entire life.

When anyone is diagnosed with breast cancer the shock, fear, denial, anger and so many other emotions take over and you need to quickly make the best educated decisions you can at the time. I quickly learned many specialists would be needed to successfully treat me. My surgeon recommended a lumpectomy and assured me a mastectomy was not necessary. My Oncologist then recommended Chemo, 4 treatments of AC, then 4 more of Taxol, every two weeks. My radiologist recommended 33 days of radiation following chemo. I remember thinking "You have got to be kidding. I don't have time for this in my life" . I soon realized this was the only chance and "time" I had to fight for my life.

No one told me that the disease is as much a physical disease as it is emotional. I was scared but knew I could make it thru the chemo and in my mind often separated myself from the pain my body was feeling , but I was not prepared for how cancer truly broke my heart. Life as I knew it would never be the same, hopes and dreams needed to be changed, and my future was now unknown forever. I began physical and emotional journey that no one could prepare me for and thank God for the others who have traveled the same road and offered guidance and love.

I have learned so many important life lessons and wisdom from this disease. I found strength in myself that I never knew I possessed. I saw so much love everyday from family; friends and those I would not have considered friends that I was truly amazed. While my body weakened from the drugs, my heart was full from the beauty, goodness and caring I saw in others. I saw my husband's true unconditional love for me and when I could not be the mother I wanted to be to my children he stepped in with enough love for the two of us. I saw my sisters and our elderly parents give up their lives and for 3 entire months they took turns living in my house and took care of my children trying to keep their life as normal as possible so all I had to focus on was healing. Dear friends became angels who carried me thru the tough times and constant doctor visits. Neighbors became family and took over responsibilities till I got back on my feet. I know there are still wonderful Doctors and Nurses out there who truly care for their patients. They cared for me physically and many times held me in their arms as I cried and stumbled. I saw the true compassion and love my children had in their hearts and how important I was in there life. The real and important things in life are easy to see now and I appreciate its gifts so much more.

Today, I am back to chasing my 4 children, sharing a healthy life with my husband, exercising and singing in my rock band. I am the new owner of If the Gift Fits...a online gift boutique for corporate and personal gifts. I am proud to say my new business donates a portion of proceeds to breast cancer research and I am active in raising money for cancer thru walks, tennis events, singing in music gigs to raise funds and will continue to do so. Money for research will be a driving force in finding a cure and I am committed to raising funds for cancer in hopes that we find a cure for our mothers, sisters, aunts, friends and daughters.

Life is good and definitely worth fighting for!

< back