I'm an engineer by education, so sometimes I think it's easier to explain my cancer experience by the numbers:
I've had Hodgkin's disease once, Breast Cancer twice. I was a 20 year old college sophomore, fighting my way through cancer for the 1st time. To diagnose the Hodgkin's, I had every major organ in my abdominal region biopsied, a section of my hip removed, my spleen removed, and for good measure, I let the doctors take out my appendix too. To treat the Hodgkin’s, I had 18 weeks of radiation and 9 rounds of chemo therapy. My chemo regime had 4 drugs. I still have 21 little blue radiation tattoos used to mark the radiation field on my body. I lost all my hair and lost a ton of weight. It took close to 3 years to battle through the Hodgkin’s.
At the age of 33, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. I had one lumpectomy and 5 intense days of Mammosite Radiation. For two years, I dealt with horrific side effects from “the anticancer drug” Tamoxifen – dry eyes, night sweats, bone pain, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, fevers… Sometimes, the cure is worse than the disease. Last November, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time and I opted for major surgery - a double mastectomy. I had my thyroid removed during that surgery too. In total, I had 3 separate courses of radiation, 1 course of chemo, 8 major surgeries, and 1 bone marrow biopsy. Whew…
I'm walking proof that super glue and duct tape works wonders.
But in case you want to know... I can still hit a golf ball 250 yards on a good day... bad day, maybe 235.
This is awesome! You are helping so many by simply telling your story of hope and perseverance through everything! You rock!
Posted by: JennTex | December 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Stand tall !!!!!
Posted by: Rajesh Pancholi | January 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Finally got to your blog. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Tami Boehmer | October 16, 2009 at 01:15 PM
I'm reading "LIVING DOWNSTREAM", a scientist's personal encounter with cancer. Great book. I recommend it highly.
connectwithme.tv is host to a television documentary about fighting cancer, please share your story and help inspire others to keep fighting.
Comment on the cancer conqueror blog: http://www.connectwithme.tv/connectwithme/Blog/Entries/2009/11/11_CANCER_Conquerors.html#
Posted by: Joel Gordon | December 24, 2009 at 08:35 AM
I also recommend "Swimming in a sea of death - a son's memoir" by David Reiff about his mother, Susan Sontag's battle with cancer.
Posted by: physyKO | January 03, 2010 at 06:57 PM
Love your story of kick-ass survival, Alicia. I have so many friends who are doing battle against cancer right now; you have an amazing spirit and inspire everyone to keep up the fight.
Posted by: Jeanne | January 04, 2010 at 11:22 PM
wow...your story is inspiring.
I have four more weeks of radiation to go.
If you would ever like to write a guest blog for us, drop us a line.
Posted by: loop editor | January 12, 2010 at 11:40 PM
You are one amazing cancer kickin chic!
Posted by: Spruce Hill | January 27, 2010 at 09:03 AM
You are a remarkable woman. I wish I had half your courage. I don't have cancer but a serious heart condition. I spend alot of time feeling sorry for myself. You make realize a positive attitude helps. Thank you for being you.
Posted by: Risa Folsom | February 11, 2010 at 12:59 AM
Wow, I am glad I found you through twitter! I am a Hodgkin's survivor, 15 years ago at age 32 with a 6 week old and 3 year old. Doing great now! I founded a company, www.happyfirst.com -cute tees, hoodies-all about living your best life, pursuing your passion. just wrote a blog about being survivor ( www.happyfirstblog.com ). I believe I went through everything to give back and encourage others. I give a percentage of proceeds to LLS.Keep up what you are doing, you are an inspiration!
Posted by: Debbie Vinyard | March 22, 2010 at 11:41 AM