Occasionally I receive feedback from someone who has also been affected by breast cancer. Christine Flurry wrote to me to agree that one always has to stay positive and always has to have hope. Here's her story:

I would like to introduce myself to the community, especially anyone concerned about breast cancer. Hi, my name is Christine Flury, aged 30, married with two children and two step children. Born and currently living in southern New Jersey. On October 27th 2005, I was shocked and distressed that I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, I am very young but I am a courageous and strong-minded woman. I have been
through chemo, radiation and surgery and lots of tests. In being diagnosed with breast cancer, it has come to my attention that I must make the best of what was dealt me. The opposite way of thinking will do me very little good. It has been hard but I have learned to accept my condition with a good deal of optimism.

My prognosis was good until Feburary 5th 2007. My cancer had metastasized to my brain and now I have felt the need to face any challenge ahead of me. I would like others to be aware that it is imperative and important to do self exams every month regardless if you're 20 or 70. If any changes occur like swelling, lumps, skin changes, nipple retraction, anything abnormal, please go to your doctor for a physical exam. I believe that early
detection can save can save your life. Unfortunately I never did monthly exams and so one day I had an advanced, 10.5cm tumor in my right breast, very big and very aggressive. At the inital diagnoses, I was scared, so surreal. As of today I am following up with doctors staying as positive as I can. It's inconvenient going to doctors, going to get tests, but it is something that I, myself, can handle. When I was growing up I was actually a hypochondriac, had lots of anxiety. I went to the doctors all the time I was so scared and worried I had something bad. Now I have cancer and know one day it may take my life, but I am not at all afraid. I am living each moment like it was my last.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all of my doctors Ashok Bapet, MD (oncologist) Alexis Harvey, MD (radiation oncology) Charles Butler MD (breast surgeon), Dr. Sarao MD (family physician), and Dr. Brett Garber, DO (Plastic Surgeon). Without question, you all are absolutely superior for the excellent care you all gave me and I am so grateful to know that I will always be safe one way or another despite my outcome. Keep up the good work

I would also like to thank my mother and father for giving birth to me, who knew one day, I would grow up to be a phenomenally gifted woman. Also, my thanks to my husband for being there for me throughout all of this and for not leaving me when times got tough and my children for being kids, keeping me occupied and lovable, the fundamental reason for my strength in getting through this. Most of all I could not cope as well as I do without the support of all my family and friends. And to myself for well, just being the rock, the same yesterday, today and forever.

Christine Flury