Love Story : Living Through Cancer, A Love Story

At the age of eleven, I thought the world was full of candy and rainbows. But then, a big event happened in my life. It is a moment that will never be forgotten. As the event is full of burden in a despondent way, I realized but bad things will and can come your way, but you have to remain positive.

March 15th, 2010, was a completely normal day. As normal as any day is for a twelve year old homeschooler. I was home with my oldest sister Brittany who was twenty at the time and I was just finishing up my homework for the day. After finishing up my math work I went to go watch television in the living room. Brittany was in her room and my parents didn't get home until later because of work. A few hours into my movie, my stomach started to hurt. Since I was twelve I didn't no the differences of pain so I just left it alone for a while. Later in the day my abdomen was aching so much I couldn't even get off the couch. After wailing for Brittany to call Mom I was sent to the emergency room in an ambulance with severe abdomen pain. After several hours in the ER and multiple tests, doctors found nothing. I was sent home and was told to take Tylenol for the pain. Once I got home, it didn't hurt anymore so I thought they were right and that I could just go on with my crazy life as a twelve year old. I was wrong. Two months after, I got the same

Testing positive for the BRCA 1 mutation, I have an eight-five percent chance of developing cancer in my lifetime. Although being BRCA 1 doesn't define me, it does change the way others perceive my existence. Reaching out to other women in the BRCA community who could truly empathize with my diagnosis empowered me. Through the organization Bright Pink, I now mentor other high-risk women in their Pink Pal program. I am committed to educating and supporting BRCA women as they face the emotional challenges of this intimidating diagnosis. In our lives we all will encounter various obstacles that allow us to empathize with one another. Willingness to share our struggles makes these difficult journeys less

Cancer has one of the biggest effects on the patients mental health but also the patients loved ones and friends. It is one of the hardest things to get a grip on when the doctor tells someone that they have cancer and a fifty-fifty chance of making it. "The disease can bring many changes-in what people do and how they look, in how they feel and what they value" (Dakota 4). It makes people look at the world and their lives in a different way, valuing now what they took for granted and seeing the bigger picture in every scenario. It is something that no one can actually brace, even after the doctor tells them. Through it all though, the person must remain strong and optimistic because the cancer can affect the person's moods and in return affect the outcome of the person and the chances of their making it

Just four years ago Emily Dumler was living a happy and healthy life with her husband and three kids. Until one summer afternoon when Emily started to feel unwell, her sickness indeed up getting so bad that she checked into urgent care. From there no one could figure out what was wrong with her, and Emily had to stay in the hospital for forty three days, before it was realized that she indeed had cancer. Emily says, “Scott (her husband) and I were actually relieved to find out I had cancer because what I had been going through for the last forty three days was so rough and we wanted to find a treatment that could help me.

Kristie’s miraculous recovery and pregnancy can only be understood by explaining some of the suffering she has gone through. Recently Kristie was diagnosed with

“’So what’s your story?’” she then then replies “’I already told you my story. I was diagnosed when-‘” He interrupts and says “’No, not your cancer story. Your story. Interests, hobbies, passions, etcetera… Don’t tell me you’re one of those people who becomes their disease. I know so many people like that. It’s disheartening. Like cancer is in the growth business, right? The taking-people-over business. But surely you haven’t let it succeed prematurely’” (Green, 32).

By presenting the information in this order, Erin left off with a more satisfying conclusion to her story. She attended Boston University with a major in journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. During her four years of enrollment, Erin struggles with cancer for herself and her mom, but she still manages to finish strong. At one point, she even studies abroad in London where she meets Alijah, who becomes her best friend over the course of the smeester and after. As she experiences life and culture in London, Alijah and her try new foods, make new friends, and discover a whole other way of living.

Carder began fighting cancer at the age of 13 and ultimately lost her left leg and hip. In 1986, while in remission, she married and became pregnant. “According to her clinic obstetrician, Angela emphasized two points about her healthcare: she wanted to be watched closely for signs of recurrence of cancer and, having struggled so long to survive, she wanted to be sure her own health was not compromised” (Thornton & Paltrow, 1991, p. 1). This statement was key as to the outcome of this case.

It was that time of the year again. Her daughter, Daisy, and husband would pack up the minivan with everything she could possibly need. Each time they embarked on this journey, there was a sense of silence and unknowing in the air. She would be there for a couple months, unable to feel the fresh autumn air and using all the strength left to just simply brush her teeth. Daisy hated seeing her mother this way. She hated the way the chemo made her mother weak and fragile, she hated knowing that she could lose her at anytime.

One day, a group leader asked me, “Are you looking for young survivors?” She let me know that Gilda’s Club was forming a new breast cancer survivor group specifically for younger women. Once that group began, I attended every month, only missing a handful of meetings over the next five years. In the beginning, I needed to talk with other women, understand how they were coping, so I, too, could learn how to manage my new life. We exchanged information and ideas while friendships blossomed.

The three words no one ever wants to hear politely were articulated: “YOU HAVE CANCER.” I was in tears in a matter of seconds. I texted my husband in the waiting room, he came to the treatment room and couldn’t believe the devastating news either. The doctor went on explaining the next steps to take for surgical procedures, counseling, family genetics and treatment options. Still in shock, I went to the administrator and received a folder of necessary information regarding everything and anything about breast cancer. (Teresa Harris)

I cannot describe what I felt when my mom told me she had cancer. I was sad, I was scared; I did not even know if I felt anything. My mom, however, stayed positive and hopeful while I stayed quiet and seemingly apathetic. There was an obvious ironic contrast between the emotional state of me and the woman who actually had cancer.

I met her two years ago and we did not have much to say at that time. Little did I know that she would later steal my heart and become an intimate part of my life. As the saying goes "there is someone for anyone at any time in this life" and I was about to find out that this saying was so true. I have had a wall built around me and my defense was as a stronghold to protect myself from all the relationships that have come and gone over the years. I thought that I was meant to be alone in this old life and happiness was forever gone from me. This wonderful woman I am speaking of is Mary Doe, and the joy she has given me has revived my hope and faith that I may have finally found love and peace within. She has made me feel like I am a child

Bibliographic information: Richard C. Cardoso & Peter J. Gerngross & Theresa M. Hofstede & Donna M. Weber & Mark S. Chambers. Support Care Cancer (2014) 22:259–267 DOI 10.1007/s00520-013-1960-y.