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SamzRusty's avatar
SamzRusty
Member
11 years ago

12 months on...

Well, it's been 12 months today that Angelina Jolie told the world about her BRCA gene & bilateral mastectomy, it's my annaversary too.

22 years ago today I lost my 18yo brother to cancer. I was thinking about him as I lay on a table at PRP Westmead having an ultra sound on a lump in my breast. I just KNEW it wasn't going to be good & it wasn't. A biopsy later that day gave me my cancer diagnosis.

Lumpectomy told me it was Triple Negative BC & a blood test gave me my BRAC1 diagnosis. Since then I've done 6 months of chemo, oopherectomy, hysterectomy, bilateral mastectomy with lat dorsi reconstruction & topped it all off with a clear pathology results 2 months ago.

Don't think I could have done it without the support of BCNA....THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart :)

Sam xoxoxox

lumpectomy
mastectomy
triple-negative-breast-cancer
  • SamzRusty's avatar
    SamzRusty
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Michelle, 

    I did have a nice mothers day....last Mothers Day I was stressing about what my lump was (even though I knew). This year I sat back, without stress, and let the day roll bye....it was very nice :)

    Did you get spoilt?

    Sam xoxoxox

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    Go Sam!  You deserve the best holiday ever.  Hope you had a great Mother's Day - love, Michelle xx

  • LeonieV's avatar
    LeonieV
    Member
    11 years ago

    Wow Sam,

    Sounds like a really rough ride for the last 12 months!  And how tragic to lose your brother so young. You sound so incredibly strong and resilient - truly inspiring. You are amazing!  I hope you've had an awesome day. 

    Big hugs, Le.

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago
    Wow Sam when you put it all down together like that you really have had a huge 12 months. Well done you for getting through it all. You are a star :) Paula xxxx
  • AnneD's avatar
    AnneD
    Member
    11 years ago

     

    Happy anniversary to you! I hope you celebrate with a glass of something you can enjoy as what a journey you've been on.

    Have fun at Disneyland :)

  • SamzRusty's avatar
    SamzRusty
    Member
    11 years ago

    We sure do need a cure.

    Looking forward to Disneyland now Deanne, only 94 days til we leave.

    Sam xoxoxox

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Congratulations on getting through everything the last 12 months has thrown at you. Your determination and terrific attitude have shone through in your posts on here. I too remember Angelina's brave revelation as it was just 2 days before my mastectomy. It actually helped so much to have her go public about this and it has helped me to be very open about my own situation. Gone are the days when breast cancer was something that women had to face alone, unable to talk about it openly. Now we just need a cure! Enjoy that fantastic holiday you have coming up in the US with your family. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Congratulations on getting through everything the last 12 months has thrown at you. Your determination and terrific attitude have shone through in your posts on here. I too remember Angelina's brave revelation as it was just 2 days before my mastectomy. It actually helped so much to have her go public about this and it has helped me to be very open about my own situation. Gone are the days when breast cancer was something that women had to face alone, unable to talk about it openly. Now we just need a cure! Enjoy that fantastic holiday you have coming up in the US with your family. Take care. Deanne xxx
  • Christine_Marie's avatar
    Christine_Marie
    Member
    11 years ago
    Congratulations Sam & you share an anniversary with Angalina...very cool:) You must be so very proud of yourself at how far you have come...you have had to jump so many big hurdles & to finally have the all clear you must be over the moon, I'm so happy for you Sam:):):) I also lost my Brother to cancer 24 years ago he was only 32 & my sister 2 years ago to cancer as well she was 45...I'm sure they are sitting on my shoulder at certain times in my life.... Take care:) Christine:) xox