 |
|
 
|
|
|
Diane Pfeifer
On March 18, 2009 I did my monthly self-breast exam and found a lump in my right breast. Because the lump was not painful or tender, and there was not a similar lump in the same spot on my left breast, I had a sinking feeling in my stomach it was not a cyst or lymph gland; this lump was serious business. I kept feeling it, thinking maybe I was wrong, maybe it wasn't really there. But after about 20 minutes of denial, I knew I had to get moving and I called my gynecologist.
Many diagnostic tests and two surgeries later, I started my treatments. Due to the type of tumor, I will have 5 months of chemotherapy followed by 6˝ weeks of radiation. I have (as of this writing) completed 1˝ months of chemotherapy, and am doing very well emotionally and physically. I feel lucky that my side effects from the chemotherapy have been manageable and I am able to continue to work around my treatments (I am an operating room nurse in a local surgery center).
I have come to view this experience as just another bump in the road of life. We all have them, no one avoids them. Yes, some are more difficult than others. But it is these “bumps” that shape, define, and challenge us. I feel that this particular “bump” happened for a purpose. I am not yet sure what that purpose is, as I am still maneuvering this obstacle, but I am sure that it will reveal itself at some point. One thing I am certain of is the importance of monthly self-breast exams. You cannot wait for your yearly mammogram; you need to take ownership of your health.
My name is Diane, but my family and friends call me Di. I am 48 years old and have no family history of breast cancer. I have been married to a wonderful man for 28 years and have 3 terrific sons in their early 20's. I am very fortunate to have fantastic support from my family, friends, boss and co-workers, and surgical and oncology staff. I am very appreciative of everything everyone is doing to support me in this journey. With all of your support I am sure to be a long term survivor of this disease.
Thank you all so very much!
|
|
|
| |
|
|
