I was diagnosed in February, 2001 at the age of 36.

Manon

My beautiful Angel Mother was diagnosed with advanced stages of IBC in 1996, so when I saw the first symptoms appear, I knew what I had and I knew what I was facing.

I did not need confirmation from doctors, and I was actually the one to tell them what I had. This made diagnosis very swift.

3 weeks after finding the first symptom, I started chemo. 3 rounds of AC, 1 round of Methotrexate and 5fu, MRM in June, which showed traces of the tumor (2cm in breast).

Not the best of news, but I was not deterred. I went on to 4 rounds of Taxotere with very good results, and am currently finishing 31 rounds of radiation.

In my case, I must admit that, in a curious way, the fact that my mother had already been through all the treatments and the emotional rollercoaster, I was quite at peace with the whole process and really did feel like a Warrior, and still very much do!

All my family and friends tell me I'm strong and courageous. I'm not sure about that. One thing I do know, and this kept me going strong, is that my focus was on getting my life back. Not just living through it, but living my life on my own terms.

Not willing to wait 'till I'm 'cured,' I wanted to live MY life every single day, the way I wanted to live it. I refused to let 'it' change me in any way.

I'm still the basically happy Manon, still have my quirky sense of humour, still loving with a strong sense of family ties and friends that I intend to keep.

I'm still very hopefull to have the family I've always wanted and continue on with my career. All this is what I'm fighting for. My focus is true and clear. I will not waver from that, no matter what happens!

NEVER stop thinking about tomorow!!!

Manon

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

Don't Stop

If you wake up and don't want to smile,
If it takes just a little while,
Open your eyes and look at the day,
You'll see things in a different way.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, it'll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

Why not think about times to come,
And not about the things that you've done,
If your life was bad to you,
Just think what tomorrow will do.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, it'll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

All I want is to see you smile,
If it takes just a little while,
I know you don't believe that it's true,
I never meant any harm to you.

Don't stop, thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop, it'll soon be here,
It'll be, better than before,
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone.

Don't you look back,
Don't you look back.