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Sisters | About Suzi | Suzi's Diary

About Elizabeth
Some of the roles that define me are daughter, mother, sister, and partner. In 1998 a new title was added to the list- Survivor. Today, I am comfortable telling people that I am a three time cancer survivor. I was originally diagnosed in March of 1998. I felt a lump in my breast while in the shower. It was two days before my oldest daughter’s 8th birthday and about 2 weeks before my 38th birthday. The days, weeks and months that followed were filled with Doctor appointments, tests, surgeries and finally 8 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for 6 weeks.

I kept my diagnosis a secret. Only my immediate family and a few close friends knew that I was dealing with Cancer. I was very scared and felt embarrassed. I did not want to be pitied vulnerable or considered weak. I did not want to be a burden, nor dependent on other people. I did not want to die leaving my daughters then 3 and 8 years old with out a mommy. Fear kept me from embracing the disease.

Fast forward two years to December 2000. I was anticipating the 2 year celebration of being cancer free with my boyfriend and a fine bottle of wine. When my surgeon was doing what was considered a routine check up, she felt something suspicious under my arm. Further testing confirmed my biggest fear. A new cancer had been detected.

My story turns here into a miracle. Although initially I was filled with the same fear as before, I slowly learned to look at the diagnosis in a positive light. I began to share the news that I had been diagnosed with cancer (for the second time) with all of the people in my life. Family, friends, and co-workers.

I began to look for the positive in the negative. I learned that I could “dance” with the cancer, embrace it, thank it, and even love it for allowing me the opportunity to look at life with new vision. It is a vision that I am encouraged to share in hopes that I can pass the lessons I have learned on to others and they in turn can do the same. Like the “pay it forward” concept.

The third diagnosis of cancer did come as a surprise. I am very fortunate to be a candidate for whom the drug Herception® works. I am on a lifetime maintaince program having an IV treatment every three weeks. It is my present. It is my future. I feel wonderful and am filled with gratitude and embrace each and every day with grace and dignity.