How did you find out you had cancer?

I was 9 months pregnant and had a lump in my left breast. I thought it was mammary changes. My OBGYN recommended an ultrasound and there it was. That was a Tuesday. Friday I was induced and my son was born. I was lucky I did not have to make tough choices about my health or my pregnancy.

Who did you tell about your diagnosis first and how did you tell them?

I told my husband first over the phone because he was out of state at a funeral for his aunt who had just died of lung cancer. I then told my coworkers. We are all counselors and social workers and we had a two hour group therapy session right there at work. It was very empowering and encouraging.

How did you cope with the diagnosis?

I took my diagnosis is stride. I decided very early on that I had cancer, cancer did not have me. Cancer was like any other illness that I could and would overcome.

How did you deal with the affects of chemotherapy in your day to day life?

I was lucky. Because of my pregnancy and the population I work with, my doctors did not want me to return to work until I had completed chemotherapy. I took full advantage and considered my time of treatment as an extended maternity leave. As with everything else, I decided I did not have time to be sick. I would take a phenergan the day of my treatment and the rest of the time I would spend holding my baby. I was determined that Cancer was not going to keep me from bonding with my baby.

How did family and friends show you support and encouragement?

My friends and family were awesome. Because of my treatments I was not able to nurse my baby as I had planned. I did not have to buy baby formula for my son to eat, nor did I have to buy diapers for him until he was 1. When I had my surgeries and was told not to hold my baby my friends would come over while my husband was at work and just hold my son. In addition, they brought us meals two times a week for 6 months. Without my friends and family we would not have made it.

How long have you been cancer free?

2 years

How does the threat of recurrence affect your life?

Until recently I refused to accept that recurrence was a possibility for me. Unfortunately I have two friends who have had a recurrence of some form of cancer in the last couple of weeks. It is a real eye opener and has made recurrence a real possibility. For awhile I was really hyper-vigilant, I guess I will always be. In the end I still think positively. I am, and will remain, cancer free.

What advice would you give someone battling cancer right now?

It’s all about your attitude.

How did you get through the tough days?

My kids. Everything was about my kids. They are the continuous bright spot in my day.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you got when you were diagnosed?

You have to grieve.

Tell us a little bit about your life today.

Today I live life to the fullest. I spend as much time as possible with my kids and we document everything. We really try to make the good times shine.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years my son will be in second grade and my daughter in 5th. I see myself in the PTA, doing homework with my children, celebrating holidays and birthdays, taking vacations with my family. Just living life.