I was diagnosed on April 13, 2005, at the age of 51.

Debra

I'm a 52 year old mother of 5 with a wonderful husband and two wonderful sisters. In 2001, I had a needle biopsy on a lump in my left breast. It stayed small, was negative, but with the appearance of fibroidedenoma.

Going through some changes in life, my periods were very irregular. I had a physical in January, 2005 and the doctor ordered another mammogram which I had been getting to keep an eye on this lump.

After that visit in February, I had a heavy period and then the changes started happening. The tumor grew rapidly, and the breast swelled. There was a faint red circle around the breast, and occasionally I could see thickening and dimpling - but not always.

I went for my mammo and insisted that there was something wrong. They did an ultrasound also and referred me to a surgeon to get another biopsy. This time, it was carcinoma.

I had a 2nd opinion at the Cleveland Clinic and they confirmed a 9cm lump and inflammatory breast cancer, poorly differentiated, invasive, ER and PR Negative, Her2 Positive, node positive and Chemo was started on 4/26/05.

We did 4 rounds every two weeks of A/C. Took two weeks off and did 12 weeks of Taxol and Herceptin. I just finished 10 days ago with the chemo but continue weekly infusions of the Herceptin.

Surgery is scheduled for October 7th. Had a pet scan on 9/22/05. The results today showed a negative study, no cancer? Will proceed with the mastectomy on the 7th and see what the nodes and chest wall show.

Prayer and the Lord have walked me through this. I am grateful every day for life and continue to fight it! God Bless.

Please click on the title of the hymn in order to hear the music.

It is Well with My Soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well with my soul.