I was diagnosed on December 16, 1996 at the age of 42.

Susan

I want to send encouragement and love to you who have been recently diagnosed or who love someone with IBC. I am now over four years out from diagnosis, and I am doing excellently well.

I haven't had any evidence of cancer since my initial aggressive treatment ended, and I am happy to say I no longer believe I will die of cancer (at least not any time soon).

Cancer broke up my family; but though it was devastating at the time, that turned out to be a good thing. I am much better off being rid of someone who wouldn't stand by me when I wasn't 'fun' -- and I am even dating again and preparing for reconstructive surgery.

If you want advice, I recommend that you go with your intuition in treatment options, that you accept the help of people who offer to cook for you or drive your kids to school, and that you ask everyone you know (regardless of religious background) to pray for you.

I also recommend that you surrender your will to your Higher Power whoever She may be :-)

May your life be deep and wide regardless of how long it ends up being.

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

When You Believe

Many nights we prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
And our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood
Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we knew we could

There can be miracles
When you believe
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away
And now I am standing here
My heart's so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

There can be miracles
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe

They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way safe through the rain
Thought of a still resilient voice
Says love is very near

There can be miracles (miracles)
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
Just believe
You will when you believe