Stories Of Hope: Veronica B.

Four Years later…. “LIFE IS GOOD”! Breast Cancer has forever changed my life. I consider myself lucky and am grateful every single day.

Every person touched by cancer has a story to tell and it is an honor to share my story with you. My wish is that somewhere, within my story, you will feel hope and strength.

They say time flies when you are having fun. I would like to say time has flown because my life has been a blast. Yet, looking back it is hard to believe that 4 years ago my life was drastically changed forever because of that moment when time stood still.

The “uninvited” guest to my party called Life … Having breast cancer for me was like hosting an uninvited guest who had overstayed its welcome from the moment it arrived. I was 39 years old when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer and BRCA2.

And so my journey and fight with cancer began…. eight rounds of 6 different types of chemo, followed by a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expansion and reconstruction.

I’ve been so blessed in the three years since my diagnosis. I have been able to see my son Justin graduate from high school and finish his 1st year of college at UC Davis. I have watched my son Jacob thrive in high school. I participated in a true miracle … the birth of my nephew. I have traveled to many beautiful places with my family where we’ve made wonderful memories.

I have only scratched the surface on all of the things I still want to do, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity. Along this cancer journey, my life has been enriched with beautiful people and experiences. It has taken on new meaning and a new direction. I learned right away that when you don’t have a choice, you can do anything!

I became a volunteer with the encouragement, training and support of Ginny. It feels wonderful to be able to give back some of the love and support that has been given to me. I know firsthand how important and meaningful that support is because I received so much of it during my treatment and continue to receive it. I will forever be grateful to all the dedicated and compassionate Breastlink medical team, the staff, the wonderful volunteers and all of the special and courageous women who I have had the pleasure of meeting through this journey.

I want to encourage everyone who faces cancer to FIGHT and educate themselves… I want them to know that there is HOPE along their journey, to never give up, and to hold on to their faith. Cancer cannot make us afraid without our permission.

I celebrate us, the “SURVIVORS,” the “FIGHTERS,” the women fighting the fight; & the “BRAVE,” the women who will soon begin their journey.

I am so blessed to have loving and supportive family and friends who have been with me every step of the way. I could not have made it through this journey without you: my husband who is my “Rock”, my 2 beautiful and strong sons who are my “Inspiration”, my mother who is my “Strength”, my sisters, brother & brother–in-law who are always there to “Encourage” my nephews who keep me “Laughing”, and my father who is my “ANGEL” up in heaven. My family & friends you are the “Best Cheerleading Team.”

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement!

…That uninvited guest is gone now ~ hopefully for good!

Here’s to Staying Strong, Staying Positive, Laughing and To Parties … lots of them!

Source: http://www.breastlink.com/breast-cancer-stories/veronica-b/