Life's Victories

The Diagnosis

In July 2016, I was diagnosed during a routine mammogram. I was called back that day for several more routine tests, but I knew something was wrong.

Sharing the News

I am the mother of four girls. My oldest daughter who lived in New York was fighting cancer. Her three sisters at the time of diagnosis were with her. She died Aug. 26. My mastectomy was Aug. 31. One daughter who was a nurse came back to Florida to help me.

Choosing Treatment

I had a mastectomy of the right breast.

There were lesions in too many places. I had chemotherapy. One of the most difficult parts was holding my breath on every follow-up visit wondering when the other shoe would drop. It was hard losing my breast, gaining a lot of weight because of medications, and wondering if my boyfriend would still be there.

How I Got Through

The nurses at the infusion center in Delray were all great, but Julie, a physician’s assistant, was my hero. She sat with me for as long as I needed, listened to me, and cared about me. I had good friends and talked to people who survived.

What I Learned

Take it one day at a time. Don’t go to the doctor alone. Take someone who understands medical terms. Do what you’re told to do. Laugh as much as you can. All things pass. Worrying won’t change the outcome. This wasn’t only my illness: My daughter, three husbands, and best friends died of cancer. All I can do is raise money to fight this brutal disease.

Don’t waste the day. Life is short no matter how much we’re given.

Carole Cohen