I read ur story and i am also a survivor! It's a tough world out there and i know what ur going thru. I have about 10 years and not one day doesn't go by that i don't think my cancer will come bak. Family and friends treat u different. U long for affection but it isn't there. Once they find out u have cancer and on disability it's a turn off! I wish u Gods love and Blessing Pete Barrera

I read ur story and i am also a survivor! It's a tough world out there and i know what ur going thru. I have about 10 years and not one day doesn't go by that i don't think my cancer will come bak. Family and friends treat u different. U long for affection but it isn't there. Once they find out u have cancer and on disability it's a turn off! I wish u Gods love and Blessing Pete Barrera

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i have 2 sisters who are breast cancer surviors. i also had to have 1 breast removed. i try to spend as much time with them that i can. i love them very much. in my mind, i am allways wondering if i will be the next one to get the news , that i have brest cancer. we are 5 girls and 2 out of 5 have it. scarey.. love your story, believe me when i say it will help alot of ladies going through what you are, it has explained , the moods and the emotions . take care

I took was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2008. I've had both breast removed and fear the dating world. I wondered when and what to tell a prospective date. Your story is an inspiration to me.

I was 42 years old and a single mother of three when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in Oct. 2006. I was having my first routine mammogram when the rollercoaster ride began. Your story mimics mine in so many ways...young(not as young as you), small tumor, early stages, 95% cure rate...got all kinds of hope and positive words from dr's and nurses. However, within a 3 week time frame after having a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, bone scan and bone biopsy. I went from early stage very curable to "I'm sorry, but there is no cure."

Thank you for sharing your story and experiences. They are all so very helpful to me. I live in a small community and I haven't had many opportunities to talk with someone who truly understands everything that comes along with a diagnosis of metastatic brest cancer. Good luck to you in life's journey and I will pray you have good health for many years to come.

Your story was very touching. I am also a TNBC 2 time survivor. I made 6 years before it came back last July. Stage IV, no cure, removed both breasts, went through chemo again...its been a hell of a year. I am very lucky though as I have a wonderful husband who has been through it all right next to me. He shaves his head when I have no hair and tells me I'm beautiful and sexy all the time. I feel blessed to be so loved and actually worry about him when I'm gone...which I hope is no time soon. I get in my hottub a couple times a day as it helps with the pain..all over. It also has me nice and tan since the tub is outside...I feel like my chest looks better with all the scars tan. I'm lucky in that I had my kids early in life and now have the joy of a 2 year old granddaughter. I realize the cancer will be back...it haunts me like a serial killer. I try and make the best out of every day and be grateful for the little things I'm still here to enjoy...but it is sooooo hard. I went to college to be a med tech and end up on disibility instead....I have alot to give just unable to give it now. I pray for time...for all of us survivors...if we lose our fight we have to say good bye to everyone in our lives, not just the one person they will lose...us...so keep fighting the good fight and I will think of all of us during my race for cure event in sept.

I was diagnosed with recurring breast cancer 4 years ago. I went through a double mastectomy with the promise of reconstruction, only to find out later that I couldn't be reconstructed due to scar tissue from radiation treatments. I am bitter about this. There is no way that the doctors didn't know. They just didn't tell me. I feel I made the choice of a full mastectomy under faulse pretenses. It's not like I can say, "oops, I didn't know, I change my mind." I'm stuck with the decision for the rest of my life.

My heart and prayers go out to you. I was diagnosed 16 years ago and had a mastectomy at the age of 53. I believe that some men just don't know how to deal with something that is so mutilating. It's even worse when it's your own husband. It was so hard for him to accept, I could count the number of times on my hand that he touched me where my breast once was. How sad. He is deceased now and I ask myself "do I dare even try to have another man in my life". For me it's frightening to think I would feel rejection again. Only time will tell. I am so happy that you have found someone that accepts you for who you are and to share your life with. God Bless you.

i have breast cancer 3 times chemo didn't work 7 surgeries and finally double mastectomy and i can't get disability? oh i also am a server diabetic. i guess you have to be dieing soon so they don't have to pay you long.

I read your story and I have all the prayers with you. I hope you will get through everything you are going right now and May you be happy with your life in the future. Please just keep believing and keep your head up and keep moving forward, no matter what the future brings for you! May God Bless You.

I'm a survivor too! I met the wonderful Man I'm with 2 days before my cancer diagnosis! We have been through 2 surgeries, Chemo and currently radiation treatment. There are wonderful guys out there and we are so lucky to have met them!!

I'm a survivor of breast cancer. After finding myself divorced after 32 1/2 yrs of marriage. It was soo hard to come back from that, I really didn't think that I would EVER find someone that would love ME for ME... Then I met someone, and he made me feel so young and much alive, it was after months of dating, we were to have sex... I had to tell that I had a double mastectomy....He really listened and showed my how to love my body again.. THEN I found out that I had BC in my lung. This was BC # 3... stage 1V I was devastated and told him to leave the hospital room, I would turn my back and he could go.... run. I didn't know what was ahead of me....WELL when I rolled back over He was still there and He still is today.......God Love him He is a REAL man..I don't take anything for granted in this life. Everday is a gift..soon I will be 60.. And that was in 2002 ~~Thanks be to God.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer just over two years ago now, had a wide local excision but ended up having a mastectomy followed by chemo and radiotherapy, supposed to be taking arimidex but dont want to.

Had the first part of my reconstruction at the beginning of this year, with more surgery to follow in an attempt to level me up. I cant imagine ever being attractive in any mans eyes ever again due to my body being so hideous with bits missing and scars that look like I've been cut in half then stuck back together again, so have promised myself not to even think about a relationship.

You are an incredible lady and a total inspiration. Kudos to you for the great attitude. Keep spreading the word, it will keep touching someone, like you just touched me with your story. My father passed away with prostate cancer 13 years ago today, my mom was diagnosed with paget's disease (a rare form of breast cancer) a year after my father died. She is still living cancer free....there is always hope my girl. She had to see 4 doctors before she was finally diagnosed. A real shame, but thank goodness it wasn't too late. These things keep reminding me to live for the moment and not to sweat the small stuff. Peace be with you & my heart goes out to you 100%. You have truely inspired me.

Hi, Stephanie...thank you for writing about the scary and lonely feelings we have all had..especially about being close and intimate with a man after such surgery and treatment. I was 41 when I found my lump and it was aggressive, but not metastatic...but I had really aggressive treatments and lost all the hair as you described. I admire your courage to go ahead and be with men. I was much less so. Five years later..cancer in the other breast and another modified radical..my choice..and no reconstruction..also my choice. No metastasis...so I 23/17 years later quite healthy...and still somewhat timid about intimacy...it may be I just never met the right guy...or I couldn't see him. So thank you for this....gives me a knock on the head...and some courage, too! Be your best self ..you seem to do that. You are choosing to live your days ahead in celebration of you life....WONDERFUL....a lesson we all need to learn. Sending you wishes for good health - feeling good and knowing you are truly a remarkable woman!

I am so proud of you!!!!!

You are truely inspiring!

I too am a survivor of breast cancer. So much of your story I can relate to and 12 years, on I am enjoying my life as never before and so thankful for it. I know your story will help so many women to be positive and to make the most of life.

Best Wishes to you.

My wife was diagnosed with stage 4 inflammatory breast cancer 5 months ago at age 38. What a shock to us, our family (3 young children) and friends! In times like this you find out the hard way who you can rely on, who you can trust and who really loves you! The hardest part is the not knowing and the indecisiveness of the doctors, their story changes every time we have an appointment. You would think they of all people would know how important it is to feel some stability in our lives when facing such a daunting battle. God bless my dear wife and every women fighting this fight.

I read your story it makes me feel better . I had breast cancer 20 years ago when my kids where 2 and 4. Now that I thought my life was getting alot better with a new grandchild, I was once again cursed with the disease. I had surgery and have started my chemo treatments again. Your story help me regain my focus. Thank you very much

Thank you for your honesty...I am a two time survivor ...I also got the diognosis of "Not if it comes back, but when". I am blessed to have a wonderful husband who makes me feel beautiful daily and who saw me at my absolute worse during chemo...but even with reconstruction I still struggle with my appearance....your article appealed to me because I too believe that life is way to short and I need to stop allowing this body change to define my life....you are an inspiration!!...Thanks

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