I was diagnosed on January 6, 2004, at the age of 55.

Felice

Diagnosed stage IIIB cancer in both breasts. The right breast was diagnosed inflammatory breast cancer, while the left breast was carcinoma in situ. After twelve months of chemo, surgery and radiation, I am scheduled for my last chemo in three weeks.

A couple of the physicians who treated me before I got a second opinion, suggested that I get my life in order and prepare my family for the outcome. I thought to myself: 'What are they talking about? I'm not going anywhere.'

The oncologist I chose was fabulous. She started treatment the day I saw her. She did tell me that I had a 30% chance for survival, but we would give it all we could.

Now I am tumor free, all tests are good so far, and I give thanks to God each day for all He did for me. I only hope that by helping others, I can make their journey easy and more knowledgeable of treatment medications and symptoms as well as restriction.

I have a background in insurance after having worked for physicians for 35 years.

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July, 2006 Update

Since my last comment, I was diagnosed with a metastatic brain tumor on January 6, 2006 exactly two years from the day that I was originally diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. After all the tests were done and I had met with two neurosurgeons, I decided to have the Gamma Knife Procedure done on January 17, 2006.

The procedure is not an open surgical procedure but a closed procedure. It went well, and I am now a survivor of another cancer. I have always been very positive about the outcome of this dreadful disease and will continue to do so. My family and friends have been very supportive.

Recently I was given a chance to inform others on the Silent Killer - Inflammatory Breast Cancer. My oncologist, Dr. Carol Fabian from the University of Kansas Medical Center and I gave an interview to a television station in Kansas City, Missouri on how to know your body and be watchful for the signs of IBC.

This type of cancer does not present as a lump but in a nest of webs similar to those made by spiders. The area is hot, red, itches, looks like an orange peel and grows very rapidly. The breast can become three times the normal size overnight.

The survival rate is five years per all the information available, but there are many survivors that are past the twelve year mark. The sooner it is found, the better. Please contact your physician whenever you notice any changes in your breast or any other part of your body. NO ONE KNOWS YOUR BODY LIKE YOU DO.

There are many studies ongoing to discover a cure for this deadly form of breast cancer that takes so many lives. More and more young women are being diagnosed with IBC. Some of them are not as fortunate and have lost the battle leaving behind young children to be raised by their fathers.

Please pray for all Cancer Patients, their families and friends.

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December 2006

As we get closer to Christmas, I find myself remembering those who have gone before us to prepare the way. These pathfinders leave behind a legacy that should make us all proud.

This will be my third Christmas since beginning the fight to beat cancer. Each day I get closer to another year of survival. I give thanks to GOD for all He has done for me and my family.

This year we have a little baby in our family - Logan Michael Garcia - he is the youngest member of our family, and I am the eldest.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, please remember to give thanks for what we have and share with others.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL!!

Please click on the titles of the songs and the hymns in order to hear the music.

At This Moment

What did you think I would do at this moment,
When you're standin' before me with tears in your eyes,
Tryin' to tell me that you have found you another,
And you just don't love me no more?

What did you think I would say at this moment,
When I'm faced with the knowledge that you just don't love me?
Did you think I would curse you or say things to hurt you
'Cause you just don't love me no more?

Did you think I could hate you or raise my hands to you?
Now come on, you know me too well.
How could I hurt you when, Darlin', I love you?
And you know I'd never hurt you.

Oh...., what do you think I would give at this moment?
If you stay, I'd subtract 20 years from my life.
I'd fall on my knees, kiss the ground that you walk on,
If I could just hold you again.

Did you think I could hate you or raise my hands to you?
Now come on, you know me too well.
How could I hurt you when, Darlin', I love you?
And you know I'd never hurt you.

Oh...., what do you think I would give at this moment?
If you stay, I'd subtract 20 years from my life.
I'd fall on my knees, kiss the ground that you walk on,
If I could just hold you again.

If I could just hold you.....,

If I could just hold you.....,

If I could just hold you again.

* * * * * * * * *

Words and Music by Billy Vera
A Mickey McBride Arrangement

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I'll Walk With God

Click to hear the vocals, but the file takes longer to download.

I'll Walk with God from this day on.
His helping hand I'll lean upon.
This is my prayer, my humble plea,
May the Lord be ever with me.

There is no death, tho' eyes grow dim.
There is no fear when I'm near to Him.
I'll lean on Him forever
And He'll forsake me never.

He will not fail me
As long as my faith is strong,
Whatever road I may walk along.

I'll Walk with God, I'll take His hand.
I'll talk with God, He'll understand.
I'll pray to Him, each day to Him
And He'll hear the words that I say.

His hand will guide my throne and rod
And I'll never walk alone
While I walk with God.

* * * * * * * * *

Words by Paul Francis Webster
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Singer is Mario Lanza

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Ave Maria

Ave Maria! Maiden mild!
O listen to a maiden's prayer!
For thou canst hear amid the wild
Tis thou, tis thou canst save amid despair.

We slumber safely 'til the morrow,
Tho' we, by men, outcast, reviled;
O maiden! See a maiden's sorrow -
O mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Undefiled!
The flinty couch whereon we're sleeping
Shall seem with down of eider piled,
If thou above, sweet, watch our keeping

The murky cavern's air's so heavy
Shall breathe of balm if thou hast smiled;
O maiden! Hear a maiden's pleading!
O mother, hear a suppliant child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria! Stainless styled!
O fiends of air and earth the essence
From this their wonted haunt exiled
Shall flee before thy holy presence

We bow beneath our care so laden
To thy dear guidance reconciled;
Then hear, O maiden, simple maiden!
And for a father hear a child!
Ave Maria!

Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus.
Ave Maria

Ave Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum

Ave Maria
Mater Dei
Ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Ora pro nobis
Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus
Nunc et in hora mortis
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Et in hora mortis nostrae
Ave Maria

Ave Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum

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I Am Woman

I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend

'cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained

If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong - strong
I am invincible - invincible
I am woman

You can bend but never break me
'cause it only serves to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal

And I come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
'cause you've deepened the conviction in my soul

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained

If I have to, I can do anything
I am strong - strong
I am invincible - invincible
I am woman

I am woman watch me grow
See me standing toe to toe
As I spread my lovin' arms across the land

But I'm still an embryo
With a long long way to go
Until I make my brother understand

Oh yes I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained

If I have to I can face anything
I am strong - strong
I am invincible - invincible
I am woman

Oh, I am woman
I am invincible
I am strong

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I Believe

Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again.

And it's like you haven't been,
Gone a moment from my side.
Like the tears were never cried,
Like the hands of time are holding you and me.

And with all my heart I'm sure,
We're closer than we ever were.
I don't have to hear or see,
I've got all the proof I need.
There are more than angels watching over me.
I believe, Ohhh I believe.

Now when you die your life goes on,
It doesn't end here when you're gone.
Every soul is filled with light,
It never ends, and if I'm right.
Our love can even reach across eternity,
I believe, Ohhh I believe.

Forever, you're a part of me.
Forever, in the heart of me.
I will hold you even longer if I can.
Oh the people who don't see the most,
See that I believe in ghosts.
And if that makes me crazy, then I am...
'Cause I believe.......

Ohhhh, I believe...

There are more than angels watching over me.
I believe, Ohhh I believe.

Every now and then,
Soft as breath upon my skin,
I feel you come back again.
And I believe.

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By Diamond Rio