"You have breast cancer."
When I heard those words more than nine years ago, I confess to thinking that it was the beginning of the end.
But I was wrong.
It was, if you will, the beginning of the beginning.
Most importantly, it was the beginning of my learning that I could get better and that I could do what needed to be done to get well.
I had a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and medications.
And I got well.
When I wrote, "Patricia's Story", about my fight with cancer for the Pasadena Star News, I didn't realize it might be the most important story I would ever write.
Many women emailed me with questions and concerns about their own situation or that of a loved one. Others, survivors who had been there and made it--five, ten or 30 years of being cancer-free--reached out to me and told me their stories. We touched each other through tough times.
Even though I never met most of them in person, it was very helpful for me to talk to these women.
In fact, sometimes I found it easier to talk to women I did not know and easier for them to talk to me. I also learned that there is one little niche where I can, at least sometimes, be a voice of hope.
It is in the spirit of hope shared that I am reaching out to you.
I created breastbuddy.net in honor of my
10-year Survivor Anniversary.
So, if you want to talk about your fears, voice your concerns, or ask questions, I would be proud to be your breastbuddy.
Patricia Bunin
