http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x999357435/Framingham-mom-to-be-fights-breast-cancer-while-pregnant
Last week a woman from Metrowest Daily News stopped over to interview Larry and I about our journey. She also was able to speak with Amy about her journey. The atricle is in today's newspaper and online!! It also talks about our race!
even you were mentioned in a quote: "Byrne said friends and family have helped her through her difficult time and been there for everything from a baby shower to wig shopping."
Thank you all and always for your love and support. xoxo
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WOW Awesome!! You are becoming such a great advocate for the cause! I envy you and all the strength you have! Looking good!! Keep up the fight!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca, you don't know me but a friend showed me the article in the MetroWest Daily News today. I know what an unbelievable journey this must be for you, because I've just completed it myself. I was diagnosed a year ago at 41, after a successful IVF, with breast cancer. I was 7 months pregnant and now have a BEAUTIFUL baby girl who will turn 1 on August 5th! I can promise you, as you already know, that positive attitude and surrounding yourself with positive energy and loved ones is the key to it all (alongside good health care of course!). I met many wonderful people on my journey and learned something from each of them. I never met another that was pregnant like me, however. In that vein, I wanted to reach out to you as a fellow "member" of this very exclusive club! If you'd like to share experiences, please feel free to contact me anytime at yralih@yahoo.com. I promise I am ALL positive! And your words in your profile are absolutely correct... in the end it's all JOY.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck and hope to hear from you,
Hilary
May God be with you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI saw you on the news this morning and just wanted you to know that in Dr. Partridge you have the BEST BEST BEST oncologist EVER. She's bright, she's spunk, she works with you, she's supportive, she's brilliant, she's funny. And she was my doctor. I still see her once a year...
I'm six years cancer free, dx Jan 2004, ER/PR+, Invasive ductal carcinoma, MLM, 4XAC, 4XTaxol, 28 treatments radiation. Breast Cancer was my 40th birthday present...
I'll be following you and cheering you on!
Love,
Peggy Nolan
Hi Rebecca, I saw your news clip on the tv today and was inspired to write you. I am 53 years old and my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when they realized she was pregnant with me. Unfortunately, in those days, there wasn't much they could do for her and thankfully she chose me over surgery, a brave loving mothers' decision. She did pass away when I was 10 months but I always feel her presence and loving guidance to this day! Your prognosis is much much more hopeful and I just wanted you to know I am cancer free and eternally grateful to my mom,to which I am sure your child will be with you. All the best to you and your family during this tough time.God Bless!
ReplyDeleteBe strong and I hope both of you have a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteJust saw you on WBZ. Your story is amazing. Good for you for becoming an advocate, turning a negative into a positive.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and stay strong!
-Kim
Becky - thinking of Maya Angelo - this little light of mine - I am going to make it shine! And you are shining. Your ability to reach out, to speak and touch hearts, to make women out there know that there is hope, support and love - they will never be alone. With our love, Mom & Dad
ReplyDeleteRebecca and Larry, My mother and brother brought your news clip to my attention recently and I felt the need to contact you with my "success story". My husband and I were elated to find out we were expecting our first child in November 2007 after 4 long years of trying. At my first prenatal visit my OB found a cyst on my L breast and prompted me to have an ultrasound. It was so small that I had difficulty feeling it and question if I actually would have found it myself. The cyst was aspirated. However, next to that cyst was "something else" and a biopsy was taken. The ultrasound was done on Christmas Eve, the day we planned to tell our families about the baby. Two days before New Year's Eve, the doctor called me with the diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. I was 38 years old. The doctor was adamant about removing the tumor asap, and I of course was adamant about the safety and health of my baby. One choice I was given was to have a lumpectomy followed by radiation; this meant having to terminate my pregnancy which was absolutely out of the question...we waited too long to become parents. I opted for a mascectomy; there was no doubt in my mind. Just get rid of the tumor, do what I had to do and move on. Surgery was in February 2008, after my first trimester, followed by chemotherapy every 3 weeks from March to May. I had both at MGH. During this time I had routine ultrasounds with Maternal Fetal Medicine to monitor the baby's growth and development. We were told there was a possibility the baby's weight may be decreased due to the chemo and I would have to deliver at 36 weeks. Our little "tuffy" stuck it out to 38 weeks! I was admitted to the hospital and induced at that point. Our precious baby boy was born in June, 1 month early, beautiful, healthy and with more hair than mommy! Everything happens for a reason, and I believe my son saved my life. If it weren't for him I may never have been diagnosed as early as I was. I know he is meant to do great things one day! Of course I am indebted to my OB for finding the "red herring" (the cyst) and for the wonderful and compassionate care that I received along the way. My husband and I had our moments of course, but honestly, the baby was our focus and I tried not to get myself upset for his sake. My son truly gave me the inner strength, will and determination to get through it all. We just celebrated his 2nd birthday; I feel that his birthday is my birthday. I have to say, I am fortunate that I felt great while I was pregnant, I did not experience nausea and the tiredness I experienced from chemo was fairly brief so I was able to enjoy the whole nesting process. I have been on tamoxifen for 2 years and plan to take a break from it to continue our family. I only knew of 1 other woman who had breast ca while pregnant, although I could have contacted her, I did not. If you would like to discuss, vent, gripe, etc., feel free to contact me anytime at guy.danna@comcast.net. Continue to think positively and surround yourself with positive people and don't let anything overshadow the fact that you will be holding your little one very soon....and before your eyes he/she will suddenly be 2 years old. Take care.
ReplyDeleteLisa