I have decided to share a personal story in the hope it will help someone:
“You have breast cancer.”
They are words women hope never to hear. They weren’t exactly the words I heard in mid-January. Instead, a compassionate and professional doctor used the words, “invasive”, “very small,” and “treatment options.” But all I heard was: “you have breast cancer.”
Soon after, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It was small, and they caught it early. I have support from family and friends. I have insurance, knowing all too well how many people don’t. And I live in the Philadelphia metro area, with access to world-class medical care.
Since that call, I have had surgery, and I’m just finishing up radiation. Now I tell everyone what my oncologist told me: I had cancer. I’m going to be fine.
But that’s not the reason I’m sharing this with you. When I discovered something unusual during a self-exam, I didn’t wait to get it checked out. I know many of us procrastinate when our bodies tell us something is wrong. We blow it off and push it to the bottom of the to-do list. We wouldn’t put it off if it was a partner or a child or a parent. But when it’s our bodies, we don’t think it’s important enough. I know, I’ve done it. But not this time. I called my doctor and took charge of my health. So please: don’t wait. Listen to your body and don’t wait.
I heard these words recently in a homily: “Sometimes, in the worst of times, the greatest things can happen.” Great things have happened to me throughout this three month journey. I have been flooded with blessings. So many people have been kind. Co-workers have prayed for me and supported me. Members of my family, near and far, have wrapped me in love. My medical care team could not be more thorough and compassionate. And my friends? They’ve made me laugh and have driven me to appointments and stuffed my refrigerator nutritious food.
I have met many courageous women who have had very different experiences with breast cancer. I so admire them and continue to pray for those who are still in the battle. As for me, I remain grateful.
My message in sharing all of this: Don’t wait. Please
See more of my story at NBC10.com
Sorry to hear this, Tracy! I know 2 people very close to me who are fighting cancer right now. I’m so happy that you are okay and will pray for you to remain cancer-free. God bless you!
God Bless. I am an early bird NBCer for decades! Youre in my prayers sweety!
Congratulations, Tracy on that “had” word ! You are a wonderfully courageous, strong woman. You go girl !!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. I miss you at St. Matthias
In 2003 I had a similar experience and I am so happy you are sharing your story. Early detection is the key and also having genetic testing(I have two daughters) which in my case was negative. You are right that we are so lucky to have great medical facilities in the city and at 75 I was diagnosed with lymphoma so still see my Oncologist at Hahnemann. Always enjoy you and now will be happy to think of you as a fellow breast cancer survivor. Will keep you in my prayers.
Tracey I recently found a lump after finding out both my older and younger sister have breast cancer. My appointment is next week. I am stuck between being positive and wanting to sit down and cry. ( I do not know what is going on yet!) M y thoughts right now are all over the place., but I have some similar to yours. Best of luck, you are brave and kind for sharing.
Hi Tracey, last yr went through something similar . I had a mass which turned out to be cistern, but I had surgery to remove them, but did not need any treatment. Self breast exam is so irritant, had I not done this routinely i was told it would have turned into breast cancer. Please girls get to know what your breast feel like so you can know when something is not right. I’m so happy you discovered your lump while it was still early. My best to you and I miss you in the makeup room and seeing you at Jay Michaels,
Marie
Good luck in your recovery.i had uterine cancer 13years ago and I know what that ugly word does to you.thanks for sharing your story.it will help others.GOD bless you.
My sister had a similar experience. It began with a mammogram — Fortunately, a very perceptive technician spotted a dot about the size of the end of ball point pen way back near the breast bone. Because of that discovery, it was revealed this was the most aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Her surgeon Dr. Barbara Barbot said they got it in time. Surgery and radiation took care of it, and she’s been cancer free the last 4 years — so sorry you experienced — I know how traumatic that can be — only God knows why things happen the way they do — but I believe we all emerge as better people for having experienced it.
Love and prayers to you — Wellington
Hugs and prayers for your Tracy…I had no idea. I have been there twice, and am so very thankful also, for the world class care we have here in Philly! Best of luck to you
Hi Tracey… Thank you so much for sharing that with us. I had no idea . You are such an inspiration to so many women, myself included. You are such a loving , caring individual. I would love to meet you. My Mother had breast cancer but she wasn’t one of the lucky ones because she did put it away on the to do list and waited to long to get help… Thank you so much for your story.
God bless you Tracy! I have always enjoyed watching you on tv news,
hope you continue with good health.
You are an inspiration !!!
So happy you are clear of that horrible disease. May God watch over you and keep you strong and well. I’ve been putting doctors appointments off and I know I need to get there.
Sorry to hear of your experience, but glad to hear that you are doing great. As an EMT, I have seen and dealt wth many cancer patients cver the years. Some have the had the heart of a warrior, while others had given up and were just going through the motions.
You are a warrior and I admire that quality! As Mr. Spock would say, “Live long and prosper!”
Good luck to you
Hi Tracy.So glad you are going to be alright. God Bless you. I had a little scare myself this year with the”Big C”. It was frighteneing. Happily everything turned out alright. I am thankful and grateful.One of my best friends in the world has just gone through a cancer surgery a couple days ago. she is in recovery as we speak. We must be adamant and find a cure for this horrible disease.
I look forward to seeing you on TV Tracy, as you always brighten my day. I also survived cancer, and it was a scary experience. I’m glad everything worked out for you, and i will pray for u too for continued good health. This is the first i have heard what I went through, and I wish I knew sooner so I could have given my support earlier
Hi Mrs. Davidson,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hope your story will encourage women to take control of their health. I have aunts that are breast cancer survivors. Unfortunately, in 1997, I loss my Grandmother to cancer of the uterus and then in 2012, I loss my best friend to glioblastoma (brain cancer). I was completely devastated. My best friend was only 38. I wanted to do something that would help me cope better so I decided to participate in Susan G. Komen 3-Day in Philadelphia. I joined Team Faith Girlz. The walk was physically and mentally grueling but at the end, I felt a great sense of accomplishment knowing that I walked the entire 60 miles and that my angels watched over me every step of the way. It is my goal and my pleasure to raise money and awareness to such a worthy cause. I am honored to walk for so many women, I will continue to walk until a cure is found.
Thanks again for sharing.
Lyndell
Tracy, I’m also a breast cancer survivor and discovered mine in 2003 with self exam–treated immediately. Mine was aggressive but treatable. I am happy to report that I am 13 years out and going strong. I’m glad you shared your story so others can benefit. Thank you.
Tracy:
You have been an inspiration to me since you first appeared in Philadelphia in the mid nineties. The more I learn about you, the more admiration I have for you. Stay strong and know that through your will, your genuine caring and kindness toward others, life stills holds a great many promises for you! Thank you for your strength and power to motivate others. It’s your turn now to take the positive energy that you have so selflessly given to others to facilitate your recovery! Godspeed!
terry