I'm 45 (soon to be 46), married, mother of two, grandmother of five. Love to sing, write poetry, read, experiment in the kitchen and meet people.

We discovered a lump in my right breast on Jan 14th. We made an appointment with the doctor that Friday and she ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. The technicians were so nervous looking at the pictures they made me nervous. My doctor called me saying there was a note at the bottom of my x-ray that read 'abnormalilty, moderate concern, biospy needed." I was sent to a breast center for a consultation and the doctor who reviewed my x-rays came in and told me I had breast cancer and that she would be doing the biospy that day (Jan. 23rd). She said there are two tumors sitting side by side in my right breast. She scheduled an MRI and, because we caught the cancer early (at that time it was IDC), she did a lumpectomy, SNB (cancerous), and axillary node dissection (cancerous). She was very sweet and gave me her cell phone number to call if people started telling me horror stories.

It wasn't until shortly before my surgery that I was told I had triple negative cancer. It seems everyone thought I understood the test results, so no one said anything until I began asking about my ER, PR and HER2.

I was and still am surprised at how many people (especially those with breast cancer) are not aware of triple negative disease. My only other exposure to the information was from a friend in North Carolina who just happened to be diagnosed around or after 2005. I was trying to help her raise funds never knowing I would soon be in need of the same help. I love her dearly and we talk constantly, especially since our bond has become stronger.

My husband is learning and adjusting with me. He plans to go with me when I get my hair cut for my wig fitting (I have a lot of hair and it will be emotional for both of us. My friend has already told me to take pictures of everything, so when this is over I can look back and be proud of the journey my husband (and family) began.

I do know I want to learn as much as I can about TNBC, so I may be of help to others by providing education, emotional support and whatever is needed to get through this process.

I'm scared but trying to keep a stiff upper lip for those around me. Of course my fears are losing my hair, possilby losing my breasts if treatments don't work ... all those things, but if it means I get to live a little longer .... then I'll do whatever it takes. I'm currently pursuing my MBA and don't plan to stop until my graduation day (Spring 2010), so when I take my graduation picture, I'll be sure to share it with everyone!

Dx 1/27/09, IDC, 3cm, Stage II, Grade 5, 1/7 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2

Rejoice Everyday!

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