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Kerri's Story
Kerri L. Arthur
It was February 2003, when I noticed a lump in my breast upon self
examination. Mammograms are not given until you are over 40, so at
33 years of age, I wasn't overly worried. I figured I would ask my
doctor about it the next time I saw him. Well a few months later, I
visited my doctor for a routine check-up and he sent me for an
ultrasound and mammogram. There was a 1% chance I had breast cancer.
I had none of the risks of breast cancer and no family history of
it. I was very surprised when I was diagnosed as having breast
cancer. My shock turned to complete fear when I also found out that
it had spread to my bones. This brought me to Stage IV breast cancer
- an incurable illness with a not-so-good prognosis. It took over 2
months to process the information - I spent most of that time in a
depression and reading up on breast cancer. I felt knowledge was
power. When I finally emerged from the safety of my bed a couple of
months later, I was ready to fight for my life! I had a lumpectomy,
lymph node removal, followed by radiation to the bones.
I was on my way!
During the last 2 years I have been through hormonal treatments,
radiation and chemotherapy. This illness is not only physical, but I
have been through some incredible mental and spiritual challenges.
Cancer has taught me many things that I wouldn't have learned
without it. I see things very differently and enjoy life to the
fullest. I don't feel I would be this way, if I wasn't having this
cancer experience.
I am living with a terminal illness and currently have a great
quality of life. I do all the things I've always done. I am a
performer and I sing with 2 bands. This has been especially healing
to me and keeps me going! I never dreamed I'd have to deal with such
a serious illness at a young age, but each day is a true gift, and I
try to keep that in mind .
Its amazing the strength you can find in yourself when going through
such a hard time! But it can be done! It is important to me to have
faith and to believe that I can do well with this illness! Remission
is just around the corner! |
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