The HOPE of being a SURVIVOR wasn't an option given to me when I found out I had Stage IV Breast Cancer! I was told Lauren, you have Terminal Cancer .The average life span is 1-5 years with stage IV Breast Cancer. I was mis-diagnosed when I first found my lump. By the time I finally was diagnosed, I had breast cancer in most of my bones at the age of 37. I have bone metastasis to my spine, collarbones, hips, neck, sternum, ribs, pelvis and skull. My doctor believed my "lump” was a cyst and he stated I was TOO YOUNG for Breast Cancer. I insisted on additional testing despite what my Doctor thought! I wanted the LUMP removed. I had 2 mammograms and 1 ultra sound, they both came back clear. My last Mammogram came back suspicious. I demanded a BIOPSY. They found a 6 cm sized tumor and I woke up to the words "its cancer"! One would ask how this can be. Why didn't the mammogram pick up the tumor? I have what doctors call "DENSE "Breast Tissue. That means it's hard to see Cancer through the "thick" tissue. Digital Mammograms are better for YOUNG women with dense tissue. Breast MRI's are  also now being used more often and will eventually prevent this mis-diagnosis in women. Most insurance companies are not covering Breast MRI's for screening purposes. Hopefully this will change soon!!!!!!

I wouldn't accept that I couldn't survive. I sought out several opinions and chose to be placed in a Research study and HOPED for the best .I flew out to Texas every 3 weeks for 15 months of treatments. People would stare at me a lot when I walked through the airport.  I remember thinking "dont stare say a prayer" often.  I wanted to scream that out loud a lot of days. I also  never allowed myself to get in a wheelchair!  I was scared i'd never get out of that chair once I sat down. Walking was very hard most days. A milestone for me was walking up my drive way.

The Avastin chemotherapy trial /study is now approved for Stage IV Breast Cancer. I was the first arm at my Cancer Center for the Avastin / Taxotere study that is now shrinking many breast tumors in women. I still don’t have any activity in my breast where my 6 cm tumor was. I lost my hair, my fingernails & toe nails. I had mouth sores, blisters on my hands & feet, and a lot of pain, it was all worth it. I still have HOPE ! I have been on 6 different types of chemotherapy in the last 2 1/2 years. I am proud to be one of the women paving the way for other SURVIVORS life spans to be pro-longed and possibly cured! I will continue to be in studies as long as my body allows me. I am currently on Oral Chemotherapy at the moment. A recent scan showed some old disease has recently decided to "wake" up again. I plan on putting cancer in a coma!!!

As I write this, it’s been 3 years since I found my breast mass! I have SURVIVED past that 1 year time line that was given to me. I have HOPE everyday. I live my life to the fullest on feel good days. I continue treatments when I have flare ups. I'll do whatever it takes to SURVIVE Breast Cancer; I want to live to see my children grown. I want to be a grandmother. I love my family and children. I fight everyday to continue living life with my husband, children and family! I have always been a lover of life and I treasure every day I breathe! I am a DAUGHTER of 40 years, a WIFE of 18 years and MOTHER of 17 years. These are my YEARS and I plan on living many more. I am a SURVIVOR living with Stage IV Breast Cancer. I HOPE to see a CURE in my Lifetime. I will hang on to that HOPE until I breathe my last breath.

My Message to Women is this! I urge everyone to do Breast Self Exams monthly starting at the age of 16. Breast Cancer has no AGE limit. If you find a lump visit your Doctor. Never forget your yearly Mammogram. If you are told the lump is a cyst have a biopsy or drain it immediately ! Don't wait and never give up searching for answers. Breast Cancer is not that pretty pink ribbon you see, it’s a very ugly disease that needs to be eradicated now. Women lose their breasts, ovaries, hair, skin, vanity, and many other things while going through treatment. The scars emotionally and physically never leave you . Please support Research whenever you can, it does make a difference !