I was diagnosed on May 26, 1999, at the age of 45.

Cakky

Initially I failed chemo and an MRI revealed a second tumor (7cm X 2 cm.) which was larger than the first (5cm.) A wonderful hypnotherapist taught me that all fear is is lack of hope.

Well, it's been over six years that I've now been NED despite having positive nodes at all three levels including the apex node (furthest node out at the furthest or third level).

A year ago I was initially told that my stress fracture to my shoulder was mets, but thank God after seeing these super specialists (Oncological Orthopedic Surgeons) not even a biopsy was needed. Talk about miracles.

My husband has taught me not to let other breast cancer survivors tell you how to feel or what to expect, that everyone is different and to find your own way and stay strong.

He also crept up behind me while kissing me a week before my mastectomy and whispered 'You know, I've never had a one breasted woman before. I'm really looking forward to this!'

So laughter is the ultimate best medicine.

Thank you and God bless.

Cakky Braun from Philly Town.

Get the best docs, eat right, exercise, stay strong, give it to God, and write a song to yourself.

Here's mine:

Please click on the titles of the songs in order to hear the music.

Sky Hopes

(to the tune of 'High Hopes' by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen)

* * * * * * * * *

Just what goes through the mind of sweet Cakky,
when she’s facing breast cancer Stage IIIb?
Everyone knows the stat fact –
survival’s less than one in three.

But she’s got (double clap) 'Sky Hopes,'
God’s love, (triple clap) strength to cope.
She’s got (pause) high apple pie,
heavenly 'Sky Hopes.'

So when you’re feeling down & out,
just can’t get about,
just don’t know what to do, ooooooooo
Oops there goes another cancer cell,
oops there goes a tumor we now control,
oops there goes no cancer in body and soul.

Now what’s the best way for Robert and Terrell’s mother,
to win this battle, and truly recover?
It’s knowing that fear is just lack of faith,
so why worry or suffer?

‘Cause we’ve got (double clap) 'Sky Hopes,'
God’s love, (triple clap) strength to cope.
We’ve got (pause) high apple pie,
heavenly 'Sky Hopes.'

So when you’re feeling down & out,
just can’t get about,
just don’t know what to do, ooooooooo
Oops there goes another cancer cell,
oops there goes a tumor we now control,
oops there goes no cancer in body and soul.

Ain’t nothing but a blessing since diagnosis,
thanks to your intervention including hypnosis,
How else indeed could we have endured,
YOU made me want to be cured!

‘Cause we’ve got (double clap) 'Sky Hopes,'
God’s love, (triple clap) strength to cope.
We’ve got (pause) high apple pie,
heavenly 'Sky Hopes.'

So when you’re feeling down & out,
just can’t get about,
just don’t know what to do, ooooooooo
Oops there goes constant fear & neurosis,
oops there goes quite a lousy prognosis,
oops there goes nothing but apoptosis (cell death).

* * * * * * * * *

by Cakky Braun

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Selfless Love

Selfless love
May the path of my life be
selfless love,
as I feel Your love in me.

As You lived, and as You died,
that Your message might abide:
may my life
be selfless love.

Selfless love
May Your love be in my prayers.
Selfless love
It's the greatest gift we bear.

Lord, You taught us how to live,
how to comfort, how to give.
Let me share
Your selfless love.

Selfless love
May it guide all that I do.
Selfless love:
'Tis the test of all that's true.

Many truths are in Thy Word,
yet the greatest of these, Lord:
It is love,
Your selfless love.