As a mother of three sons, wife and full-time attorney, I was stunned to hear the dreaded words, "You have breast cancer" at age 43. That was over 15 years ago. I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation, fairly standard for those days. Seven years later I received another wake-up call that the cancer had returned in the same breast. This time I did what any women would do in my work pumps--underwent a double mastectomy to prevent cancer from switching to the unaffected breast. A Reach to Recovery volunteer for the American Cancer Society and speaker at the 2010 local Relay for Life, I've been in remission for eight years.
In 1997 I developed lymphedema, a swelling of the arm from which lymph nodes were removed to check for cancer spread. Now I am a patient-advocate for the National Lymphedema Network so I can help patients cope with this potentially disabling condition.
In 2008 I chronicled my cancer journey in a book, Mourning Has Broken: Reflections on Surviving Cancer. The story was one of grief and triumph, hope and resilience. Last year my second book, The Pebble Path: Returning Home from a Forest of Shadows, was published. This paperback takes the approach of an inspirational allegory interlaced with poetry about my cancer experience.
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wonderful story, and uplifting. i get tired of fighting to feel better, some days when i feel fairly good im happy. but on days like to day i just am sick of my pain. but reading this makes me feel better. bless you for your persiverence!
March 18, 2011 - 10:56pmThis Comment
@jburt1020 I know how it feels and everyone gets tired. I just keep refusing to give up and I know my fight helps me. My God continue to bless you and help you run the race. I know how hard it is to go it alone so that's why I started my ministry to be there for others. Love and God’s Blessings, Dee Dee
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March 19, 2011 - 7:29amThis Comment
I too have lymphedema but of the leg. I am a 23+ yr colo rectal cancer survivor. Ten years after surger/radiation my left leg turned up with lymphedema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema) in one leg due to radiation burn. I learned to manage this being a fighter, survivor and determined to live life to it's fullest by using a combination of leg wrapping, compression stockings, elevating my legs, and specialized lymphatic massage therapy. But only four years ago when being treated for UTI given Leviquin by IV drip I ended up with Neuropathy in the same limb that I have lymphedema (my weakest limb). I woke up paralized in one leg the next day It was devistating. After several months I had regained some mobility but due to Gabapentin Rx treatment it took away a lot of pain but still causes increased numbness and sometimes I trip over my foot. I have been determined the last few years search for the right treatment and only 9 days ago I started my treatment using the ReBuilder Treatment System (www.rebuildermedical.com also used by Cancer Treatment Center's of America) which since I've been using it I've regained some movement in my toes which were previously numb and lifeless. I now feel temperatures and have started to feel more stable when I walk though I still use the cane for safety. We must always persevere and never lose hope. Cancer survivors are fighters who refuse to quit.
February 18, 2011 - 4:00pmGod Blessings, Dee Dee http://1000women.com/users/littledeet#more
This Comment
What an amazing story-- you are one strong, triumphant woman. Thank you so much for sharing and welcome to EmpowHer!
Rosa
February 11, 2011 - 8:00amThis Comment