I was diagnosed on March 18, 1994 at the age of 41.

Ginny

It happened to me -- it CAN happen to you. I was young and healthy (or so I thought) yet I was told I had 12-18 months to live. That day will forever be imprinted on my mind.

I had never heard of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, yet it would take over my life and perhaps take my life. In spite of the grim statistics I went on with aggressive chemotherapy.

I had six treatments of Adriamycin, Cytoxan and 5 Fu, followed by a modified radical mastectomy. A few weeks to recover and daily radiation treatments began.

In 1994 few drugs were approved for the treatment of breast cancer, and I'd had them -- so I started Tamoxifen in the hope it would prevent recurrence, even though my cancer was not hormone sensitive.

The months passed, with each inch of new hair my energy seemed to grow as well. I'd worked through treatment and continued in my job.

Four months after radiation ended, I went back to school to upgrade from an LPN to RN, still working full-time. In 1996 I graduated and passed the state licensure as an RN!

My check-ups continued to show NED, No Evidence of Cancer, so in 1997 I began a bachelor's degree program in nursing, still working full-time!

In 1999, in spite of a couple hospitalizations for blood clots in my lungs, I graduated!! There IS life after IBC!

I've had treatment-related health problems, but I'm still going strong and pray that continues. I'm proof that no matter what the statistics show, some of us do survive IBC and become long-term survivors.

I pray my story gives hope to others. I'll continue sharing it with others as long as I am able.

Please click on the title of the hymn in order to hear the music.

As The Deer

As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after You.
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.

You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire,
and I long to worship You.

I want you more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.

You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire,
and I long to worship You.

You're my friend and You're my brother,
Even though you are a King.
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.

You alone are my strength, my shield;
To You alone may my spirit yield.
You alone are my hearts desire,
and I long to worship You.

* * * * * * * * *

Written by Martin Nystrom