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“I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3 1/2 years ago.  I immediately went online to look for support.  I found Breast Friends and thought it was local to me in NC.  Founder Sharon Henifin contacted me and that is when I discovered they were located in Oregon, all the way across the country.  However that did not stop Sharon or Breast Friends from reaching out to me and providing support in my time to of need.  Sharon and I talked for hours and she helped me through some tough times during chemo.  I can only imagine what they do for their local folks.  Breast Friends is a wonderful charity and organization that provides services that are priceless. I hope they have the opportunity to continue to do what they do and expand to help women everywhere.  Women diagnosed with breast cancer need them like I needed them. Thanks Breast Friends for lending your hand to hold through very rough waters. I experience the results of this organization every day of my life.  I am better, stronger and here because I had them to turn to.  Medicine may physically help you through cancer, but it is organizations like breast friends that help you mentally and emotionally heal from cancer and cancer treatment. I have offered my hand and ear to other survivors, to pay forward what Breast Friends gave me.”

~Charity

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“I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. During the course of my recovery, I began to feel a deep need to connect with other survivors not only for support but to offer support in any way I could; in other words, I wanted to “give back”.  In 2004, I met Becky Olson and Sharon Henifin (founders of Breast Friends) at a Komen event.  I was truly inspired by their dedication to helping newly-diagnosed women and their families through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis. As I became more involved with Breast Friends, I decided to become a volunteer. In becoming a volunteer not only have I experienced many wonderful and fun opportunities to help and share with others in their cancer journey, I’ve also had the opportunity to meet many wonderful friends or “sisters” who have enriched my life beyond measure.

Over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how much of an impact Breast Friends has made on the lives of thousands of women and their families; they have certainly made a wonderful impact on my life. So it’s small wonder that their God -given vision in serving others has led them to where they are today….celebrating almost 11 years and growing everyday with affiliates all over the nation. I have absolutely no doubt that they will continue to grow; that’s how love works. Yet despite the time and energy that is entailed in the growth of this wonderful organization, it is remarkable and heart-warming to see that both Becky and Sharon continue to maintain their “one on one” caring touch with each and every woman they meet. I personally am so blessed to have them, and all of the Breast Friends’ family, in my life.  And that is why I believe their mission has and will continue to succeed……..because they care. “

~Carolyn Vidito

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“Hearing the diagnosis of “breast cancer” is traumatic, and not everyone has family, friends or co-workers to provide support. The Mission of Breast Friends – “Until a cure is found, Breast Friends is helping women survive the trauma of cancer…one friend at a time…..” is to make certain every woman does have loving, caring, sincere support during a frightening, stressful, question-filled time.

Breast Friends is a blessing: the organization exudes kindness, joy and the all-important ear to hear the concerns of Survivors. There is so much fear and confusion beginning with diagnosis that many people feel uncertain about everything. Often, the Survivor, or family member, “just” needs to talk and our “job” is to listen and help them down from the ceiling.

My diagnosis has resulted in wonderful friendships that I am so glad to have in my life; in fact, I feel breast cancer is one of the most positive experiences of my life because of the special Survivors – all ages, backgrounds, interests, etc – I’ve met. Breast Friends has also provided me an opportunity to volunteer, and help make a positive difference in other women’s lives.”

~Jan Thiesen

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On Feb. 2, 2002 I got a phone call from my surgeon. He had to call as I was to be out of town all the next week. and could not go in to see him.  All he said is that “we found cancer” I cancelled my travel plans and we went in to see the Dr. Mon. morning.  I honestly think I was in such shock that none of it set in for several days.  I remember feeling like I was seeking clinical information about someone else.  I was very detached from the diagnosis.  While I was at the pre-operative appointment, I mentioned that we were centering in on the right breast but had not examined the left breast. They did a mammogram and found ductal CA insitu.  We decided to proceed with a double mastectomy. One week later (the day before my surgery in Portland) we stayed in a motel.  That night it all set in and I really fell apart trying to grasp the reality of the diagnosis. 

The surgery went well and I had very little post op pain.  When I went in to see my Dr. for the post op follow up he gave me the diagnosis of  CA insitu in the left breast, but the right showed lobular CA with metastasized to 4 lymph nodes.  The tumor was 3.5 cm so Chemo was started ASAP.  In the meantime, I set about interviewing different Docs to see who  I would go to for Chemo.  I had 6 rounds of Cytoxin and Adromycin.  This was followed by four rounds of Taxatere. 

My treatment was the roughest thing I have ever been through. Had it not been for the love and support of family and friends, I really don’t think  I would have made it.  The nausea and vomiting was constant for five to seven days. Friends cooked all the dinners and helped me to do what tasks I needed to complete.

The last day of my treatment they gave me a cup with candy and balloons and told me they would see me in six weeks.  I felt deserted.  I was scared to death not having my lifeline to come back to every week.  My family and friends were very supportive but I could not shed the fear of not having the very capable staff.

The Dr. gave me a prescription for Tamoxifin.  I began to take it and suddenly could not stop crying.  I had horrible hot flashes and could not sleep most of the nights.  This went on for 6 weeks until I finally began to put things together.  I finally realized it had to be the start of Tamoxifin.  I called my Dr. and the medication was changed to Arimidex.  Aside from the hot flashes, things were much better and I returned to work.

I did not meet Becky and Sharon until almost two years after my treatment.  My husband was diagnosed with liver cancer two weeks after I had my mastectomy’s.  The years of 2002 and 2003 were very tumultuous for my family.  Although we had a wonderful support system, they did not comprehend the fear, anxiety and general panic we both were processing.  My husband and I both processed our diagnosis in different ways and the whole experience left scars that needed to be dealt with.  After I met Becky and Sharon I felt I had people who knew what I was experiencing and I could open up to.  That in and of itself was very helpful.  When I went to the workshop of moving beyond cancer” it proved to be a life changing day.  I realized I had to stop focusing in on all the setbacks and complications we seem to come up with every so many months  and finally move beyond all of this and accept and appreciate the good days.  I desperately needed to let go of the anxieties I had pent up in me and start to live. 

My metamorphosis was introspection over several days and into weeks.  Gradually I was able to finally accept that we are both alive and when my attitude changed, my husband’s did as well.  We finally went away on a lovely vacation for a month and we are planning to go on another later this week.  It has proven to be time well spent driving to our destinations.  We have had lots of time to talk and plan our future.  The time we spent at home, we centered in on tasks that have been desperately neglected for several years.  No one can imagine the fun we had completing the painting of the  backyard shed we purchased five years ago.  Both of us have laughed a lot and enjoyed showing friends out completed household tasks rather than discussion of our latest setback. 

I cannot emphasize enough how much we all need to relearn how to live after we have come face to face with a major health crises that can potentially rob you of all the life you have left to live. Now, I just live one day at a time and enjoy that day. 

~Carol Misrack