 January 1994, my fortieth birthday was rapidly approaching. How I dreaded turning 40. Little did I know my life as I knew it was about to change drastically. June 1994 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Hearing the word "CANCER" meant I was going to die. I had a lumpectomy, followed by 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 36 radiation treatments. Afterwards I was cancer free. My doctor informed me if the cancer does come back in the same area within five years it will not come back.
Five and one half years later I was having one pain after another. January 14, 2000 I was sent to have a bone scan. These results were much worse than the original diagnosis. The doctor was right my cancer did not come back in my breast. My cancer was now in all my bones (scalp to feet), liver and sternum lymph nodes, stage IV metastic disease. I knew I had to do something drastic if I was going to have a chance. I went to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion Illinois. After 8 months of chemotherapy I gained a partial remission. Now I had to find a doctor closer to home as I required the drug Herceptin which needed to be administered once a week every week. Along with the Herceptin I was also receiving Aredia (a drug to help heal my damaged bones). This is when I f ound Dr. Mary DeShields in Easton, MD. Thanks to Dr. DeShields and her wealth of knowledge, and a third round of chemotherapy full remission was attained in April 2002. I remember telling a friend when I was diagnosed the second time I wasn't going to make it. Not many survive this stage or even attain a full remission. Well, to everyone's surprise, I did.
I started taking Femara along with Herceptin and Aredia. I maintained my remission for almost three years. Although my cancer has returned in some areas, my liver is still clean. At this time I suggested to Dr. DeShields that we try something different. Take me off the Femara for six weeks and reintroduce it when the six weeks were over. She agreed as long as my tumor markers did not go up. Well, my markers did go up. I am no on Aromasin with hopes and prayers this works. Working with Dr. DeShields has been a blessing. She is willing to listen and try new procedures as long as it does not harm to the patient.
This year I turned 51 and enjoyed every minute of it. I now look forward to birthdays. This "Journey", which I sometimes call a "Bad Trip", has been tough. If it had not been for this journey I would not have met some very special people, become involved with Women Supporting Women and grown closer to my family, especially my family. Take charge of your journey. Always try to keep a positive attitude. Hope, Faith & Love with take you many miles. I once heard someone say "I am not living with cancer, cancer is living with me." Donna Bratten.
Donna’s story first appeared in our June 2005 newsletter.
Sadly, we lost this wonderful advocate & friend on 11/19/2007 at the age of 53.
Donna gave support and hope to many while struggling with her own battle.
We miss you, Donna. |
