October 2006 I sustained a compete left-sided stroke. By time I got to the hospital, I went through many scans. They discovered that I also had aggressive left breast invasive lobular cancer.

I spent one month in the hospital and eventually left with the use of a cane. I had a completely numb left leg, loss of sensation on the left side, from head to toe. I continued speech, physical, and occupational therapy on an out-patient basis.

Then I had to deal with the cancer. I underwent 4 separate sessions of chemotherapy, the last one being the worst. I had every side effect imaginable. My husband was there for me every step of the way. The large tumor was not shrinking as doctors would have liked, so, I underwent mastectomy. I then underwent 33 sessions of radiation therapy. Because my lymph nodes were removed, I ended up with lymphedema and I have to wear a compression sleeve on my left arm. When I lost my hair, my husband shaved his head. My brother did as well. I could never have reconstruction because of the extensive damage from the cancer to the muscle tissue in my chest.

I now walk without my cane. I began driving again, even with my left-side impairment. On New Years Eve day 2009, a young individual ran his truck smack into my car; airbags went off and I had to be pried out of my car. I was hospitalized for 2 nights with nine fractured ribs. No fun; however, I got the courage to pick up and drive again. Again, my family was there for me. It took a while but I am comfortable and confident of my driving, all over again.

My children, husband, and family were so supportive of me. I learned that I was not alone.

It is now six years since my diagnosis. The picture I submitted shows a pink and white necklace that my friend made for me. It matches the blouse I wore. She made many others for me. There is so much more that I could say.