New and looking for help

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

You are not a statistic. In '95, at age 50, I was diagnosed with invasive, infiltrating lobular carcinoma w/2 out of 18 nodes involved. Mastectomy. Reconstructive tram flap surgery at the same time. Adrymiacin X 4, 8 CMF. In '98 went to liver -- multiple tumors. Tested Her2+, new back then. Did Taxotere from Sept '98 through May '99. On Herceptin from Nov '98 - Jan '02 wkly. Jan '02-present get Herceptin every 3 wks (triple dose).

My prognosis sucked. I decided SOMEONE has to be among the little group survives and determined to be included. To hell with the stats! Who are Life's VICTORS? The ones who conquer the fear! The ones who fill themselves w/love and joy with the gift of each beautiful new day. The ones who see the blueness of the sky and the many blessings that surround -- seeing the sublime in the ordinary. Did a lot of reading, books of Self Improvement Spiritual nature, books on the mind/body connection. The cancer and the Life Lessons I acquired through it have enriched my life immeasurably. I live with happiness and serenity, knowing I am calling my desired destiny to me! We all have the power to use our thoughts and the energy they produce to go out into the Universe and be sensed and responded to IN KIND by the Universe. So think wondrous, miraculous thouhts all day. Experience the ugly, scary thoughts and then rid yourself of them like toxic waste. They will compromise your immune system and hamper your healing. If you think all is lost, you will have nothing. If you believe in amazing possibilities -- you will become a miracle! That is what I wish for you. With love and healing energy going out from Florida, USA to you, and all the fabulous ladies on this board, ANDI

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I forgot to add -- I was initially diagnosed as 4th stage invasive lobular carcinoma w/2 out of 18 nodes. My tumor was 9 cm. The size of my hand. Unseen 8 mnths prior in mammography. It felt like my breast was thicker, like a dense sponge was inside. Not a lump. Never a marble or a pea. I had done self examines the first of every mnth.

A radiologist told me that she hates lobular because it hides! And then, when it is found, is huge! Advanced. Still, I defied the odds. And here I am, 5 grandchildren later. You can do it too! You need attitude, girl! Serious intense passionate attitude! WIHT LOVE... ANDI