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I am a cancer survivor.
My story is about Attitude.
To me, live strong means having a positive attitude about the situation. Knowing that I am the strongest person I know, no matter what anyone says.
I've worn the yellow wristband because I believe that through the Live Strong foundation, we are helping ourselves and the world enter an age where we can possibly find a cure for cancer
I was diagnosed with uterine cancer at the ripe age of 20 years old.
At the time I thought I had everything going for me. I was young, healthy, I had a great job, I was finishing my 2nd year of college to study biology, I had a great family, and a wonderful boyfriend. Little did I know that the issues I was having with my uterine fibriod had evolved itself into cancer. I thought, "Okay, I know it is unusual for someone my age to have these. At least most of the time these fibroids are harmless." But, at the back of my mind, I had a dark feeling that there was going to be more.
The only person I really confided in was my boyfriend. He didn't say anything generic like, "It's probably nothing," or "Everything will be fine." Instead he told me "Keep your head up because I'm with you all the way and I won't leave your side." After receiving a second opinion from a gynocological oncologist, we confirmed that I had cancerous cells in my uterus and cervix. We decided that I was to undergo a radical hysterectomy on June 6, 2005.
After informing my managers of my situation, I began openly talking about my cancer. It felt more theraputic that I had this network of co-workers that I call friends that listened and supported not only me but any cancer survivor. Most of all I have the most supportive boyfirend that I could lean on and be there with me.
Two days before my surgery, my boyfriend planned a romantic date to help keep my spirits up and to show me that he loves me. We sat around talking about everything. My fears about surgery, and the recovery. How I would miss him terribly. How after this I couldn't have any kids of my own, which was one of the most saddening fact from this. He helped me realize that even though we couldn't have any childeren of our own if we wanted to, we have the opportunity to save more unfortunate childeren living in impoverished countries.
Maybe this was happening for some strange serendipitous reason. I realized that I wasn't studying biology in school for nothing. This is my opportuninty to make a difference in this world. Whether it be advocacy, or research, or support, I can make a difference.
A few weeks after surgery, I underwent 5 weeks of external radiation therapy, monday through friday. Then I had 3 sessions of high-dose internal radiation. I met the most supportive oncology staff at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines.
Through it all I learned the power of the mind. To sit arround and sulk all day was doing nothing for my well being. By keeping my head up, I not only kept my spirits up but it physically helped me heal faster. I have never felt so strong as a do now and for that I LIVE STRONG.
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