My life was changed forever, on October 3, 2008. We were eating a0t a restaurant on our way to our son's football game, when I got the news. My mammogram showed indications of calcifications. After being referred to a surgeon, it was suggested that I have a biopsy. I was assured that 85% are benign. I was told I had nothing to worry about. I received a call on Friday evening to meet with Dr. Carey on Saturday morning to discuss my pathology. My family knew it could not be good news. Dr. Carey spent an hour explaining everything and answering our questions. He said I would need surgery to remove the lump, and radiation and chemotherapy to make sure it wouldn't come back. I also would need hormone therapy. My head was spinning, but we had to deal with the hand we were dealt. I couldn't change t he fact that I had been diagnosed. All I could do was everything in my power to get rid of it and have a long future ahead of me. And that's exactly what I am doing. I had surgery to remove the lump, and another to remove auxilary lymph nodes, after a micrometastisis was found in the sentinel node. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy ( 3down , 1 to go ) . Then I will have 33 rounds of radiation and then Tamoxifen.
I read an article written by a cancer survivor that said..."You will never feel so loved" . I didn't know what that meant until it happened to me. I have seen the most beautiful expressions of support and encouragement from my family, my friends, my co-workers, my students, but no one knew what to do to help me. They knew they couldn't fix it, but they wanted to do something. I was told to let them help in any way they can. Well, they figured it out. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel for everything everyone has done for me. They are walking this journey holding my hand and carrying me at times. My story has become their story, and the end of this story is no where in sight.
Lori Dalton
I met Lori when she came into my boutique to purchase head covers. I instantly noticed something very special about Lori. She was very up-beat and positive about her cancer experience. I know from personal experience, we would rather not take this journey, but how we deal with our cancer has a lot to do with our healing. Lori was an inspiration to me, and I was very impressed with the love and support she was shown by her husband, Terry.
He complimented her as she tried on lot of hats and turbans and told her how beautiful she looked and gave honest opinions of which he liked best.
I asked Lori if she would be willing to spend a Sunday afternoon with me shooting some pictures for our web site. I think she is a beautiful model, and makes our products look extra sassy, with her great smile and personality. Thank you Lori for being an inspiration to me and others who are taking a similar journey.
Terri Hadley
Owner, Pink Ribbon Boutique
I hope that Terry's example will be an inspiration to all husbands who have a wife that is taking the journey into the unknown territory of Breast Cancer. You will never know how much your support and continuing confirmation, that she is still the most beautiful woman in the world to you, will mean to her healing process. Husbands, you are a very special part of this journey. Let your wife know every day how much you love her!
