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| Christel | Debbie | Heidi | Zelka | ||||||
Debbie |
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My name is Debbie and I’m a breast cancer survivor.
I’d love to share my experience with you. In fact, my story doesn’t start with me. It dates back to when my mother’s sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After genetic testing she discovered that she carried the mutation for the Brac 2 gene. Subsequently all her relatives, particularly the females, were notified and some of us discussed the matter in-depth with each other in order to decide what to do.
We reasoned that as we were relatively healthy, responsible females we would try and take extra care of ourselves and remain aware of our health and wellbeing. Somewhere at the back of my mind was the idea that “it can never happen to me”. Little did I know what was in store for me and my family.
In 2001, one of my three sisters, Michelle, was diagnosed with breast cancer and my family were hit with the reality of that “C” word. But we all, and in particular my sister, found the light at the end of the tunnel after she underwent a bilateral mastectomy, intensive chemotherapy and reconstruction. Life eventually returned to semi normality.
After her experience, my outlook changed and I became cautious about my body, trying to look after it as best as I could with exercise, healthy eating, regular checkups and mammograms. However 18 months later, in November 2003 while I was doing a breast self examination, I felt a lump which susequently was diagnosed as a high grade ductal carcinoma. I was about to begin a similar journey to Michelle.
At the age of 39 I had a bilateral mastectomy as a result of oestrogen and progesterone receptor positive breast cancer, followed by 6 cycles of intensive chemotherapy (Taxotere, Adriomycin and Cyclophosphamide) and 7 weeks of radiation. I also had 2 reconstruction operations and a oophorectomy to remove my uterus and ovaries.
I now know that I carry the Brac 2 gene mutation and I have to bear the responsibility of this fact, especially as I have 2 young daughters.
Six years later, I make a point of stopping to look at the sunset, the blossoms in my garden and the wonderful shapes of the clouds. I no longer kill spiders even though I am petrified of them. Life is too precious to me.
Breast cancer has changed my life...it has been a rough road at times but the experience has enriched who I am.
Debbie Firer |
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