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November 4, 2020

“Lives Touched, Lives Changed”

Deb H.

My cancer journey began in the 1980’s, when my mom and my paternal aunt were diagnosed with ovarian and then breast cancer each!  So I always believed that I might be facing the same diagnosis in my future.

Nevertheless, each time I heard a doctor tell me I had cancer, I was shocked.  Every pelvic ultrasound I had for almost 15 years never revealed any problems.  Still, a few months after my ultrasound in 2004, 3 tumors were found in my belly after I found my weight dropping and my pants hard to fasten.

I was again shocked in 2017 when a slight change in my annual mammogram turned out to be a stage 2 Invasive Lobular Cancer in my left breast. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy and the biopsy revealed a different cancer in my  right breast.  I didn’t need any other treatments, but I am taking an aromatase inhibitor. I approached each surgery as just a huge abyss in my life… dark and scary, but something to be dealt with and to move on from.

Approaching my 1 year  breast ‘cancer-versary’ I found my way to the BCCR.  My family and friends had relegated my cancer to the past, but I felt profoundly changed.  I didn’t know how to go on from where I was in my  life’s journey.

At the coalition I met many other women who were also asking, “What’s next for me?” My answer is to be of service to my sisters in cancer.  I am now on the Advisory Committee, I attend weekly Brown Bag meetings and became a mentor for the Pals program.

My third ‘cancer-versary’ has just passed and I have  greatly increased my education in cancer these last two years.  Monthly seminars at the BCCR have lead me to eat and live cleaner.  I am staying strong physically and mentally with Zoom Yoga classes and Mindfulness and Meditation classes.

The friendships and caring I have found at the coalition, keeps me looking forward to what lies ahead and shined some light into the darkness of cancer.

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Breast Cancer Coalition
1048 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm

P (585) 473-8177
info@BreastCancerCoalition.org

Proud recipients of the 2018 ETHIE Award

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BCCR Map

Breast Cancer Coalition
1048 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm

P (585) 473-8177
info@BreastCancerCoalition.org

Proud recipients of the 2018 ETHIE Award

Quick Links

Contact Us
Calendar of Events
Interpreters
Privacy Policy
Inclusion Statement
990 Form

We Stand In Solidarity

 

© 2021 Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester