When I began to write a short article on who I am, I found an old packet from 2008 from my first Breast Cancer HER+Estrogen+ aggressive Breast Cancer. This inviting packet was from the BCCR after I endured the trauma and reality of losing my left breast and undergoing a mastectomy on January 22, 2009. To put into words my shock would be an understatement if you know me. At 50 yrs old and fallen in love! My Drs. said there was no spread to lymph nodes, cancer was gone so I had put my Breast Cancer and the BCCR invite behind me and moved on with life. Never imaging it would return.
In 2018, 10 yrs later, dismissed by Oncologist of no finding of disease, in remission. Strangely today I’m glad I found that original packet as it was years of missed opportunities. I guess I wasn’t ready or prepared mentally to accept Breast Cancer or a Support group! I spent most of my earlier years giving and being support for multiple local charity organizations why would I need help? Well I can tell from my experience when anyone is diagnosed with any stage breast cancer contact the Breast Cancer Coalition in your NOW time. Be a part of something so much larger than your diagnosis. You can participate at your own pace or speed.
So here’s the rest of the story… I had trouble breathing in 2019, 10 yrs after my diagnosis. My SHOCK could have set off or altered a Nuclear reactor! How could this be? I was active all the time? Unfortunately the SHOCK never really went away from that day but the breast cancer had come back to my lung a Her2-Estrogen Positive a slower growing cancer. Well hearing and learning the term Metastatic my life change from that day forward and I had forgotten totally about that 2008 invite from BCCR until today. I admit from 2008 on I was a Closet Queen Breast Cancer survivor. I felt people would treat and look at me differently. I was a very private person so few of family and friends knew I had cancer because it couldn’t be seen visibly. During a road trip in 2018 I drove down to check out the Coalition. After meeting Pat and Holly I knew this felt like home! I joined the Common Group group for Metastatic Breast Cancer and I have to say it changed my life truthfully!! I became part of something bigger and seeing the bigger picture of my original perception of Metastatic Breast Cancer Groups, and who I am. The Coalition’s 4 Pillars stand proudly each day Research, Support, Education, Advocacy!
So I joined the Breast Cancer Coalition and its been my family. The family you visit often and want more tomorrow’s with, and for the whole family talk Stages. My new sister’s/family has given me the gift of support, kindness, understanding, love, fulfillment, and most importantly I learned the value of word empowerment for myself and what it has given me to give and gift others. I’m out of the Closest Queen Breast Cancer with a NOW world and proud to be living my best life with the word Metastatic attached to who I am and defined. Unfortunately this disease has a mind of its own and when I thought my life was stable (if you can ever think Metastatic cancer is stable) I learned by accident in February 2023 my breast cancer has returned malignant in my right breast. After discussions with my Oncologist and tumor board, and their discovery that in fact it was a NEW/different cancer, I was approved for a right breast mastectomy with no lymph node spread. So again no cancer detected. I felt supported and fortunate my meds had worked for 5 yrs holding back my cancers.
Well of course this year I hoping it would be a much better season for my Buffalo Bills and my Metastatic Mafia however we both endured tragic losses and injured team members unexpectedly. I had learned in February I had new progression. I’m currently still living a life of HOPE, laughter, love and even stronger commitment to my Coalition Sisters to raise awareness and critical research funding for research and perhaps paired with a just little mischief but totally dedicated to support ALL of its 4 pillars! 16yrs later these pillars has given me NEW life, empowerment and the definition of being a survivor verse warrior and there is more to come!
Only through the BCCR and its dedication to us, I’ve learned, activated, and enhanced my Warrior skills for the life and benefits of the NOW generation and the next generation of individuals living with Breast Cancer.
Thank you,
Elaine Caroline Vanatta
Footnote: I’ve heard the word NO so many times as a child, then as an adult in work & business and of course many times as a parent saying NO to my daughter but the hardest most devastating, painful and life changing time was sitting in my Oncologist office in 2019 hearing the word NO CURE offering comfort speaking the word NO CURE but treatments can extend your life. Even NOW I’d don’t like the word NO.
October 2024
