When I began my blog in September, I knew that I would eventually include a post dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Although the month of October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month, it is my belief that those who have been faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer should be honored and celebrated every day.

When I announced that I would be taking on this initiative, I received numerous inquiries from women requesting further details. Several women shared their stories with me directly, thanking me in advance for writing this blog post. However, most were hesitant to share them publicly, simply expressing their preference to remain private while others revealed a sense of embarrassment. Some remained silent and made no contact at all and I respect that. Until you walk a moment in someone else’s shoes, dare not question or judge. It is unfortunate that in 2014, there remains a stigma associated with this disease. Cancer patients have enough important issues to be concerned with, and public perception shouldn’t be one of them.

32 years ago, I lost my Aunt Nellie to this disease. In 1982, information pertaining to breast cancer risks was not as prevalent as it is today. She was a beautiful, always smiling soul, who was like a second mother to me. Few days if any go by now that I don’t think of her and the positive influence she had on my life.

My Aunt Nellie

This past February, I lost my dear friend, Karla, whom I was blessed to meet through my association with Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Like my Aunt Nellie, Karla was a special individual whom I was fortunate to have in my life.

My Dear Friend Karla

Along with four other moms, I have now become somewhat of a mother figure in the life of her only child. Amazing how this circle of life works.

I know that both my aunt and my dear friend, who I dub Heaven Warriors, applaud me for my efforts to honor and celebrate survivors.

I am proud and honored to share the stories and words of encouragement from the warriors who have chosen to speak openly. One woman repeatedly thanked ME, for honoring HER. Another said, “I don’t feel entitled to the hoopla.” As I indicated in my initial outreach message to my readers, you never know when just one word can uplift so many others. The willingness and selflessness of these women, indeed make them ALL entitled to the hoopla. I’m throwing in some bells and whistles as well!

S.C., Union County, New Jersey (No Photo Provided)

“I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer on April 8, 2014. At the time that I was diagnosed, so many other things in my life were going wrong.  Things just simply can’t get any worse, so I thought. When I received the diagnosis, my husband and I actually laughed. We thought it had to be a hoax, considering all else that was going wrong in our lives.

Unfortunately, this was real. I have a family history of breast cancer (mother and maternal aunt), so for me it was a no-brainer.  I contacted my physician, had him schedule the surgery and on May 1, 2014 he performed a double mastectomy. I can honestly say that up until that point, I handled my emotions fairly well. In my heart, I knew this was the best option for me, and I refused to allow it to disrupt my life any more than it had to. The only day that I truly got flustered was the day before the surgery. I received a call from the hospital saying that my insurance hadn’t approved my surgery. Yes, THE DAY BEFORE!!!! Needless to say, I lost it! I was ready emotionally and physically to move forward, and now insurance bureaucracy was interfering. Fortunately, the hospital and my doctor straightened it all out with the insurance company, and my surgery went forward as planned.

I am on medication; however, I am fortunate in that I do not have to endure either radiation or chemotherapy treatment. I am back at work, running my own business, and I’m sporting a new set of boobs. Cancer WAS NOT going to control me or have the upper hand. I think it is my optimistic approach to this menace, a phenomenal physician and a great support system that truly kept me emotionally intact. Despite having received the diagnosis of breast cancer, I know that in a sense, I am one of the lucky ones. So many others have endured so much more than me, and I applaud them for their strength and their courage.

Roslyn Ruiz, New York City

Roslyn Ruiz

One day during self-examination, I felt a lump under my left breast.  My Primary Care Physician was out of town, and I was referred to another physician at his practice.  The doctor repeatedly stated, “You shouldn’t worry because at your age it’s normal to have cysts.”  She suggested following up with my doctor when he returned.  I was extremely hesitant and started to cry in the waiting area.  I refused to leave her office.  I had a gut feeling this was not a normal cyst and told her I was not walking away until given an authorization for a mammogram.

After a mammogram and sonogram, on October 3rd, 2012 at age 36, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The day of my bilateral mastectomy, my doctors came across three malignant tumors.  Based on my onco- type, I was only on a daily hormonal therapy.  The day of my 12th-month follow up, my oncologist felt a lump under my armpit.  On  January 2nd, 2014 I received the call that confirmed cancer for the second time.  It had spread to my lymph nodes which lead to lymph nodes removal and a lumpectomy on February 4th, 2014.  I underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, 30 sessions of Radiation and currently my ovaries are becoming suppressed with injections and pills.

What has helped these past two years is the support and prayers from my family, friends, colleagues and students.  I have developed a close relationship with my doctors and the team from my cancer center/ hospital.  Yes, I have been an open book since day one and it has been the best decision for me.  Knowing that my loved ones are rooting for me on a daily basis, reassures me that giving up is not an option.

The diagnosis  of breast cancer now reminds me  of the importance of taking deep, long breaths.  I walk at a slower pace and savor every bite that I eat.  I am not afraid of showing affection or expressing my feelings.  I make sure to listen to birds chirping, even through the crazy, New York City noise.  I am constantly joking about my aches and pains. I’m proud of my skin more now than ever.  My scars are my badges of honor.  I literally speak to my body. I tell my body, at times even out loud, what to do and how to behave.

I awake every morning and give myself extra time to gaze at my son while he sleeps.  Why? Because it’s a constant reminder that my situation is just a bumpy ride, compared to the extreme turbulence that others are experiencing around the world.  My morning routine includes MUSIC. Oh Yes, my hips and feet move while I brush my teeth.  I’m vibrant, I am determined and again, giving up is just not an option.

Juliette F., Florida

My advice to someone, who has just been diagnosed:
I truly understand how you’re feeling right now. It’s not easy hearing those words, “You have cancer.” It wasn’t easy for me when I heard those words either.  I actually thought they were speaking to someone else in the room and not me. Yes, it a big shock, but once the shock is over you have to realize that God is in control.

He will take a hold of the reigns and when he does,  just let him steer. What I mean by that is, he will take care of everything, if you just trust in him to do so. Your family will play a major role in your life. You will need their support, and it’s okay to allow them to be there to help out. It’s not an easy road, but it’s one you and your God will walk together.

One more thing I would like to add is that you must at all times keep your mind, body and soul together as one. That is the key to your healing, no matter how tough the road ahead may be. It will be very important to remember you’re not on this journey alone. Let nothing or no one keep you down. Your joy will heal your soul!

I’m so grateful to be apart of such an amazing group of people being honored.

I Love you JR

Thank you,
Juliette

Bettie Quinn, Plainfield, New Jersey

Bettie Quinn

My story is a little different. I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1989 at age 37, In 2004 following a battery of tests, doctors confirmed that I had cancer in my left breast. There had been no lump. Because of my prior medical history annual mammograms were a necessity.

I had done all of the feeling sorry for myself back in 1989. Don’t mean to suggest that I didn’t freak out because I did! But I’ve learned that when doctors tell you that you have cancer, it does not mean the end of your life, just an enormous interruption. Everybody reacts differently to chemotherapy and radiation and not every breast cancer patient follows the same protocol.

In 2010, suspicious findings from a mammogram on my right breast lead to a second mastectomy.

Advice: Don’t keep your fears and feelings to yourself, as you try to protect loved ones. Reach out to a support group.

Outlook on Life: Positive, once I stopped trying to convince myself that I was going to die.

Strength during treatment: Enormous support from family and friends.

Update: It is with sadness that  I report that Bettie L. Quinn, 62, departed this life Mon. May 18, 2015

What can co-survivors do?: Share. Have family members share medical history with their doctors and consider genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer.

Visit this site for more information about Breast Cancer Risks and Survivor Rates.
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PLEASE JOIN ME IN HONORING AND CELEBRATING THESE WOMEN BY LEAVING A COMMENT OF SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

They are not just survivors; they are warriors.
They are indeed #PINK STRONG

Of course, I welcome any comments below from other warriors who are willing to share.

Jacqueline DuJour readers, Go Forth and Be Fabulous in Pink- men included!

Pink Strong: Honoring Warriors and Celebrating Strength!