BEVERLY — At 25 years old I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. After undergoing a bilateral Halsted Radical Mastectomy and many treatments, my journey of living with cancer began. Because of my breast cancer being third stage, my doctors never could feel confident to tell me I would be OK.
Instead, they would say I was in permanent remission. The situation was so bad just the word permanent gave me some hope. So I continued my journey and had to make many decisions, wearing an external prosthesis for five years then deciding to have reconstruction.
Because of the severity of my surgery, the plastic surgeon did the best he could with implants, but I was still left with having to wear small external silicone prostheses. After consulting with my doctors and hearing the negative and positive, I decided to go ahead and have children. I have two daughters: Kate, a scientist who works at Biogen Idec, and Anna, who works as an registered nurse at Spaulding Rehab.
Now, 30 years later, I am a survivor after stage 3 breast cancer. This is just part of my life that I have shared. Every breast cancer patient has their own unique journey. We all have to make difficult decisions about our own health and family after being diagnosed. Looking back over the 30 years, there were good and bad times but I am glad I chose just to move forward and enjoy the good in whatever each day brings.
I have dedicated many years of my life facilitating cancer support groups and providing services from my company, We Care Breast Forms & Accessories, located at 100 Cummings Center Suite 344E, Beverly. We Care’s private fitting facility works by appointment Monday through Saturday. Home fittings are available in the privacy of your home. We Care carries breast prosthesis, partial breast forms and mastectomy bras and other supplies for your post surgery needs. Medicare, private insurances and private organizations will help to cover all or part of the cost for your post surgery needs.
A prescription from the doctor is required. Please call the office at 978-927-0749 to set up an appointment and ask any questions you may have.
We Care Breast Forms and Accessories is an American Board Certified Facility and American Board Certified Fitters.
