Age-54
Occupation Stay-At-Home-Mom for 22 years; soon to re-enter the workforce ;-) (YIKES!)
Children 22 year old son and 18 year old daughter
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer of the left breast on August 3, 2005.
I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) of the right breast in November 2005.
How was it found?
Inflammatory Breast Cancer cannot be diagnosed by mammogram, as it does not appear as a lump. Cancerous cells spread in sheets or nests throughout the lymphatic tissue of the skin and usually into the lymph nodes before clinical symptoms appear. Symptoms such as redness, swelling of the breast, peau d’orange (dimpling of the skin of the breast), and pain or soreness indicate the need for further investigation. I had all of these symptoms appear almost overnight. I had 3 different areas of my left breast biopsied; Inflammatory Carcinoma was the diagnosis. DCIS was found via mammogram and biopsy of my right breast prior to mastectomy surgery of the left breast.
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? No
As a woman what gives you your strength? Knowing that God has a plan for me gives me a great deal of strength. Having cancer has reinforced that belief, even if I don’t know what that plan is at any given moment. God has given me a wonderful, supportive family and a lot of caring friends who help me find humor in the mundane and provide me with lots of Puffs tissues when my eyes start to leak.
Briefly state in your own words something about yourself that you want people to know.
I am looking for paid employment. Seriously. Starting part-time, working up to full-time. My skill set includes: proficiency and passion for (almost) all computer applications, especially creative ones like slideshows and photo editing, organized and detail-minded, internet research guru, publishing and computer training background. I wouldn’t mind a bit of travel to keep things interesting, don’t mind working overtime when necessary, and love to cook and bake (this also comes in handy when trying to butter up the boss). If you know of anyone who is looking for an outstanding employee like me (or maybe that person is YOU!), please send me a message on the PinkTieGala message board!
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October 4 2008 Pink Tie Gala Performance Clip
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