Determined to fight with HOPE instead of uncertainty
Reflections as a four-year survivor!

September 6, 2007 -- an unforgettable day which changed my life in a way I never imagined.  As I sat alone in my surgical oncologist's office to check the site where biopsy was performed, feeling positive, in only seconds later, my whole being was in turmoil when he announced that he had just received pathologist's report and it is "Breast cancer".  So what could I do -- I had a meltdown on that Thursday afternoon throughout the following weekend but all I was seeming to hear were the promises of our Creator which comforted me and gave me hope.  I realized I had to let go and let God take control so my journey began.

As I look back, and for whomever, reading this at this very moment, been proactive and taking charge of your health is of uttermost importance,  How does one explain clean mammographies for over 10 years and within one solid year, a tumor of 1.5 cm?  After much research, collaboration and networking with medical professionals and champions in this struggle, I opted for a lumpectomy.  Vaguely, the results were hormone-positive, stage 2A without lymph node activity.  Consultation revealed a regimen for "cure" vs. "treatable" and yes, I now faced the dreaded decision of potent chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy.

I was ready to fight.  My CMF regimen -- cytoxin, methatrexate &, fluorouracil, every three weeks for five months.  Infusions lasted for about two hours each visit.  With dreaded stories of side effects I geared up for the worst and fortunate to experience mild effects (hair thinned out but did not go bald, skin complexion darkened considerably, palms of hands and soles of feet darkened, fingernails and toe nails turned brown, appetite remained normal, energy-level maintained except for last two treatments) -- became overly exhausted and nauseous) but there was light at the end!  Graduating from this, I now had to wait a month before beginning radiation.

Radiation, six and one-half weeks, five days per week, two and one-half minutes each day!  I just knew this was going to be easy.  Who was I kidding?  I realized I was not superwoman even though I was blessed to drive myself to all my chemo appointments.  I opted for short-term disability during radiation therapy.  I became very tired and it was in the midst of Summer 2008.  Woweee, when it all ended in August, 2008!

Now I can exhale.  I did it!  How?  With the blessings, mercies goodness and grace  of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Of course, as I look back down the road, I realize I could not have done it without the encouragement, support, prayers and love of family, friends and co-worjers.  A special bond was created with my medical professionals as well and four years later, I can say with determination, I fought this battle.  With God's divine intervention and allowing me to take this journey with Him has been an unforgettable journey.  In closing, I would like to encourage all those who are currently going through the battle, those who have unfortunately passed on, and those who continue to live with HOPE, in everything keep God first, stay positive, be proactive and fight.  With God all things are possible and only He can reverse any and all situations.  Be encouraged and remain blessed.  Feel free to contact me via e-mail at fatelin_guy@yahoo.com.  God bless.

Thank you Susan G. Komen for allowing me this opportunity to be a witness toward this awful disease but it remains OUR hope, that we are yet one day closer to finding a cure.

by Fatelin (Fae) Guy, Survivor