iamstillawoman
Twenty-three years ago I was 24-years-old and pregnant with my first child.
I lost the baby in utero after I was diagnosed with a rare fatal cancer - gestational trophoblastic disease, stage 4. By the time I was diagnosed, the cancer had spread throughout my entire body. They gave me eight weeks to live. My case (number 501) was documented to assist in research.
At 43 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I chose a double mastectomy, as I have an inherited cancer gene. I have tracked six generations from the first girl born, all of whom died from a cancer- related illness. My mother was the oldest at 53.
I then had breast reconstruction surgery, a hysterectomy and oophorectomy, skin cancer surgery, knee surgery, reconstruction of reconstruction surgery and there is more still to come.
I am now a cancer activist - but by no means a cancer expert. Surviving two major cancer battles and living through my Mum's cancer have given me strength. I would like to make a difference by helping others because I know the pain and the fear of the battle.
I lost my nephew to cancer almost three years ago, he was only 13. It hasn't been easy and on my saddest days I think of him and smile (through the tears at times). We were so blessed to have him ...
iamstillawoman commented on Angelica's post How are you dealing with the loss of a loved one?