Melissa’s message
When I was told by my surgeon that I had breast cancer, I remember vividly the initial feeling of shock and dismay, and even despair. But at the same time, I was overcome with a desire to educate myself: I was desperate to get my hands on as much information as I could find, by any means available. I wanted to read resource books, search the internet, talk to doctors, talk to breast cancer survivors, and anything else I could do in order to understand exactly what was going on inside my body. I have always believed that information is power, and I wanted to have as much power and control over this disease as I could, so I could fight it off with every available weapon. I felt like a warrior, and I needed to learn everything I could about my enemy.

At first you are only able to absorb so much information; I think the emotion of it all is a bit overwhelming. I had never had surgery before and had no idea what to expect. I had heard of chemotherapy and all I knew about it was that it makes you sick and you lose your hair. I had heard even less about radiation and had so many questions: Did it hurt? How did it work? Did it make you sick?

I was so fortunate in that I had a pretty close relationship with my OB/Gyn, as she had just delivered my second child four months earlier. My cousin is also a breast surgeon in Tennessee, and from the both of them I was pointed in the right direction as to where to find information and they were able to answer many of my questions. I also have a strong network of friends who were able to put me in touch with several breast cancer survivors, who answered more of my questions from a practical perspective.

Even with all of these advantages, when I heard about this project I immediately knew that it had the potential to be an invaluable tool to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer. It certainly would have been for me. I am convinced that this web site can answer so many of those initial questions by providing clear and concise information in an easy to read format, as well as pointing newly diagnosed women in the right direction for more specific information. This web site offers a firm foundation for the education needed to wage the war ahead.

Melissa
San Antonio, Texas

Eileen’s message
I know how you feel. I have been where you are now. I have thought, “This can’t be. They’ve made a mistake. This is not happening to me.”

Well, it is. Just like it was to me a few years ago. I walked out of the doctor’s office and I looked at everyone I passed. I said to myself, “Just look at these people. They don’t know what’s happened to me. I would trade places with any one of them right now.” Of course, that’s foolish. I don’t know what suffering they might have any more than they know what’s just happened to me.

I have never felt the same since that day. It had never occurred to me that I could die—I mean, not really. I had never thought about all the things I wanted to live for, I had never felt so vulnerable.

The treatment is in my past now, just as it soon will be for you. But I’m still not as sure of my future as I was the day before I was told I had cancer. That means I don’t take anything for granted. I’ll tell you a secret I learned: right now, today, plant a flowering bulb in a pot of rich dirt. Take care of it and watch it grow as you go through treatment. And when it blooms, you’ll probably be through treatment and you will treasure that beautiful flower. You will understand then, just as I do now, that even from something ugly can come something wonderful. Trust me.

Eileen
San Antonio, Texas