Your Story
Georgianna Diaz….5+ Years Breast Cancer Survivor 
In 1977 my mother, at age 59, found a lump in her breast. Her physician scheduled her for a biopsy and possible mastectomy if it were found that she had breast cancer. She woke to the news that she did have breast cancer and both breasts were removed in what they called a Modified Radical Mastectomy.
My mother, in her way of dealing with situations, felt that there were a lot of people worse off then her and she would be able to enjoy her 6th grandchild, my daughter, as I was 8 months pregnant at the time. We always referred to my Mom as a “Trooper” because of her strength and determination and her eagerness to bounce back from any situation that was dealt to her.
Several years later, my mother’s sister was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and died at the young age of 61. With this family history in mind, I diligently scheduled a mammogram every year once I reached 40.
When I went for my appointment in March 2002, I was confident everything would be normal as it had been for the past 11 years. After all, my health was good and I had no visible signs of lumps or soreness. After my examination and mammogram, the radiologist called me into her office and told me that there was evidence of calcification and it was cause for concern. She recommended I make an appointment with a breast cancer surgeon for further evaluation. My heart sank, how could this be? I felt fine, my last mammogram was exactly 1 year earlier and everything was normal.
The breast surgeon said that although calcifications are about 95% non-cancerous, he believed that I fell within that other 5% and set me up for a biopsy. The biopsy revealed that I had ductal carcinoma in situ. The surgeon recommended a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery performed at the same time.
I was given two options. The first was to get implants, which the surgeon said was a quicker recovery but more painful in the breast area. The second option was Tram Flap reconstructive surgery which was a longer recovery but resulted in a more natural looking breast. This Tram Flap surgery takes stomach muscle and fat and funnels it up to make the new breast.
As my husband and I sat speechless, my surgeon explained the procedure and trying to be somewhat comforting he said that this procedure has been dubbed by many women as the “happy surgery” as you come out looking better than when you went in. Amidst my fears, I smiled and I thought… hmmmm, skinny with big boobs.
I focused, found humor, hid my fears from my loved ones and decided to take on a positive attitude. As for the “happy surgery” Well, I guess I focused too much in the “boob” area and not enough in the skinny area. But happy to say I am cancer free. I was fortunate, my cancer was Stage 0 and the only post treatment recommended was a prescription of Tamoxifen for 5 years.
Since I was concerned about my daughter, I thought it would be good to have genetic testing. I do not have the BRC 1 or 2 genes.
If my mother and aunt did not have breast cancer, I probably would not have been so diligent about going for a mammogram every year. Early detection saved my life and women need to realize the important of getting their yearly mammogram.
Men must also be aware of their body and consult a physician immediately if they detect any type of abnormality. Men can and do get breast cancer. I personally know of 4 men who have had the disease. My cousin’s husband was one of them but by the time he was diagnosed, the breast cancer was too advanced and sadly, he died from the disease.
In 2005, my mother’s breast cancer returned and metastized to her lymph nodes, lungs and bones. She died shortly before her 87th birthday.
It was my mother’s example of strength and determination that got me through my breast cancer. I knew I was fortunate and welcomed the opportunity to become a Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer. Speaking to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with a similar diagnosis as mine. It makes a difference when you talk to someone who has been there. Someone who can relate to their feelings, someone they can be totally honest with. Letting them know it’s okay to cry, to feel confused and being there to comfort their fears.
For the past 5 years I have also been a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society. I visit with newly diagnosed cancer patients while in chemotherapy and radiation treatment. I offer them comfort and information regarding the many programs the American Cancer Society has to offer along with many outside resources.
My greatest reward is when I see a smile on their face and the look of hope when they learn that I am a cancer survivor.
Christine Cameron…2x Breast Cancer Survivor 
My first breast cancer, in my left breast, was found in a routine mammography in August 2006. My second cancer, in my right breast, was picked up in an MRI in July 2009. Both cancers were stage one, early cancers and were treated with lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. My second cancer was a new cancer, not a recurrence.
The hardest part of my first breast cancer experience was the fear I felt. I didn’t know enough about breast cancer to ask questions about my choices for treatment and I didn’t know where to turn for answers. I was so afraid I was going to die.
I am from Hong Kong. I came to the United States in 1983. Chinese is my first language and although I speak and write English, it was difficult for me to understand the breast cancer terminology used by medical professionals and in my research on the web. This was frightening and only increased my feelings of helplessness during my first breast cancer experience.
The support of my husband and friends as well as my faith saw me through my first cancer. My second cancer was made easier by the experience of being a patient navigator for cancer patients, as well as being part of an ongoing support group.
It was hard losing my hair, but it grew back. When I was navigating I would always reassure the ladies that “virgin hair” is soft and beautiful…like a young child’s hair.
I learned important lessons from my breast cancer. I learned to live in the here and now; to do the things that are important to me. I do whatever makes me happy. These days I spend a lot of time doing what I always wanted to do but put off because of work and other responsibilities. I design and make beaded jewelry and teach the occasional class.
If I feel like doing something like going out for lunch, I do it. I try not to let the little things bother me. .
I am always glad to help other women who are facing breast cancer. I know how scared I was. If I can make it just a little less frightening for another woman, then I feel I am helping. I know the comfort and reassurance I can give just by being a survivor.
I hope by sharing my story that women will get regular checkups and mammograms. Please don’t be afraid to go for help. You didn’t cause your breast cancer; it is not your fault. You are not being punished for doing something bad.
If you do have breast cancer, ask someone to accompany you to see the doctor if you are not sure what he or she is telling you about your cancer. Be good to yourself during treatment and celebrate the end of active treatment by doing something special.
Vincent Moltisanti…5+Years Breast Cancer Survivor
I am a man who has survived breast cancer. My breasts were removed and I went through chemotherapy. I was treated the same way as anyone else with breast cancer and that is what is important. Even though it is rare for a man to get breast cancer, we men who are diagnosed, should not be treated with any less compassion or concern than a woman with breast cancer. The disease is the same. It is not a woman’s disease but a disease of the breasts. Men have breasts and breast tissue and some men develop breast cancer.
There is no shame in having breast cancer. Such an attitude can cause some men to deny their symptoms and postpone seeking medical help until their breast cancer is quite advanced with no hope of survival.
My wife noticed that the nipple on my left breast was indented. Tests confirmed that I had breast cancer. I was shocked. I always thought, if I got cancer, I would get prostate cancer like my father and grandfather. Breast cancer was the farthest thing from my mind.
The toughest part of my diagnosis was the realization that I really did have cancer and as much as I didn’t want to accept having cancer, I had to deal with it. Losing my breasts had no emotional effect on me. For men it usually doesn’t. I do not feel less a man for having had breast cancer.
My cancer was a stage 2. Surgery went well. The hardest part of chemo was the nausea. My wife, my children, other family members and friends were there for me throughout treatment. The doctors and nurses who treated me were also very supportive.
After active treatment, my doctor put me on Tamoxifen, but after six months I came off of it because of problems with side effects. I joined a support group which was helpful for me and for the women in the group. The women in the group said having me share my experience helped them to realize that men are part of the breast cancer equation too.
I’ve changed since my cancer. Life is better now. I have a new sense of purpose. I can be myself with no regrets about the past. I manage my fears by facing them head on and challenging myself to turn fear into hope.
I retired a few years before my cancer due to a work-related accident that left me with a disability. These days I spend a part of my week as a patient navigator for the American Cancer Society. I am also a spokesperson for breast cancer and for cancer in general. Though breast cancer does not define me, it has become a big part of who I have been transformed into. I use my experience to educate men as well as women about breast cancer and the need for early intervention.
Katie Gilbert…10 year Breast Cancer Survivor
Hi, I’m Katie! I am proud and grateful to be a 10 year survivor.
Just over 10 years ago, I was toweling myself off after a shower when I felt something under my breast. Just a few weeks earlier, I had my annual mammogram and was told everything was just fine. Finding a lump frightened me enough, despite the good mammogram report, to call my doctor and make an appointment.
My doctor felt I was worrying for nothing, that women frequently get breast cysts and this is what he felt it was. I wasn’t reassured and insisted on a biopsy to be sure.
I don’t remember leaving the doctor’s office after getting the results of the biopsy. He told me I had a 4 cm cancer and needed to have the tumor shrunk with chemo before having a mastectomy, followed by radiation. I was crying so hard when I got home that my husband couldn’t understand what I was trying to tell him. When I calmed down, I got practical. I called my daughter who is a civilian employee working at a military installation in another state and asked if she could time off to be with me when I had my surgery. Then I contacted the oncologist and set up an appointment to begin my chemotherapy.
I handled chemo well. Side effects were minimal. A good friend went with me to every treatment. It made all the difference for me, having her company. When the chemo was finished, my tumor had shrunk beyond what the surgeon had hoped for and we set a date for my mastectomy. I chose not to have reconstruction.
My daughter got time off from her job and stayed with me in the hospital following surgery and when I came home from the hospital. It was such a blessing to have her with me.
Radiation followed surgery and after I completed radiation I started on five years of Tamoxifen to prevent a recurrence. Five years of Femara followed after I finished Tamoxifen. While I had my share of hot flashes, I did well on both medications.
Looking back, I know my faith and the support of my husband, family and friends got me through. A short-term support group also helped to keep me positive.
When I felt up to it, I began to volunteer to help other women with breast cancer. I became part of an American Cancer Society Program called Reach to Recovery, a telephone support program linking survivors to newly diagnosed women and men with breast cancer. I still do this work today. For a few years, I was a patient navigator in two hospitals bringing comfort and support to cancer patients and linking them to the services of the American Cancer Society.
For women and men just beginning treatment, I just want to say that there is life after breast cancer, you may have a hard time during treatment but keep in mind that’s what it takes to get the cancer out of your body and you can move on.
Katheryn Marlan 7+ Years Survivor, Founder of Through Healing Eyes 
Through Healing Eyes began on Valentine’s Day 2003 with an abnormality on my annual mammogram. After a biopsy confirmed that the suspicious spot was cancer, I chose an aggressive treatment option.
As I recovered physically, mentally an emotionally, I realized that I was fortunate to have received yearly mammograms, allowing for early detection of my cancer and a much more favorable prognosis and treatment. I also recognized that there are many women who do not have the privilege of screening examinations and early detection. I needed to use my experience as a window of opportunity to help others who might not have access to diagnosis and treatment.
Initially, with photographer Sally Fanjoy, we compiled a photographic journey through my breast cancer treatment and recovery. The resulting project was so visually stunning and emotionally moving that it needed to be expanded. We combined photographs of other survivors, as well as breast cancer educational materials, into a calendar sharing inspirational stories in words and pictures.The project has evolved and grown into a 501C3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote breast cancer awareness through education; provide inspiration to those affected and to make breast cancer diagnosis and treatment available to those unable to afford care.
