Since my breast cancer diagnosis on June 9, 2008, I have spent a fairly decent amount of time wondering "why me?" In my case, I had several risk factors staring me in the face: obesity, heredity and never having had children. I also enjoyed a glass of wine or beer almost every night. The American Cancer Society says all four risk factors play into an increased chance for breast cancer.
Cancer does not run on my father's side, but is prevalent in my mother's family. My maternal grandfather died from throat cancer. My mother, 74, is the youngest of 13 siblings. Of them, six have either been diagnosed and cured, or have died of one form of cancer or another. (Keep in mind that there are multiple and unknown causes for cancer and I'm not saying that I have cancer as a result of the fact that all six aunts and uncles did.) Two of my aunts had breast cancer. One aunt had a mastectomy at age 72 and is now cancer-free at 94 years old. The other was diagnosed at 70 and is now 76. She had a lumpectomy.
I would like to hear from you about your cancer stories. Let's create a dialogue of learning, sharing and hope