Marion

Marion was diagnosed on February 27, 2008 so is coming up on her first anniversary. She had breast cancer stage 3B. What was thought to be two small tumors ended up being a 3 1/2 inch tumor - her surgeon was able to save her breast but did do some reconstruction on it. She had 6 rounds of chemo which ended the last week in August and then had 7 weeks of radiation which ended right before Thanksgiving. So far she is healthy and cancer free!! Her first mammogram is on Feb 24th!

Throughout all of this, Marion maintained the bright smile, optimism, and sense of humor for which she is known.


Robin Gansle Photography
www.robinganslephotography.com

Judy

Judy writes:
“I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer on February 13, 2008 at the age of 38. I had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and then completed 4 rounds of chemo and 6 1/2 weeks of radiation. I had my last treatment on September 11, 2008. My family and friends have been wonderful right from the beginning. Their support has been unbelievable. They kept me going through my ordeal. Even when I lost my hair from the chemo, my 3 year old son Jacob always told me that I was "so pretty". My husband Kevin has the best sense of humor so he kept me laughing. They brought out a strength I never knew I had.”


Photography by Ro
www.photosbyro.com

Betty

This is Betty's second time on the blog! Photographer Michelle Parsley had a another opportunity to photograph her mother.

Michelle says:
Mama is 100% back to her old self. This is the story behind the new images... Mama was on the front page of the Daily News Journal and the Tennessean for breast cancer awareness month. She was also featured in the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation's publication. They were all doing a story on the ABC program (After Breast Cancer) that the YMCA has for survivors. The purpose of the program is to help survivors regain their range of motion. Here is what she said about that:

"After bi-lateral mastectomies and reconstructive surgery I was healed, but I found that I could not extend my arms over my head. I had upper body weakness, and was still protecting myself--afraid of being hurt. At a visit to my oncologist, I was given a brochure about the ABC program. Always the skeptic, I called not expecting a lot. I went to the YMCA for my appointment with Melanie, the ABC program coordinator. She measured my range of motion and demonstrated the exercises I needed to do to fully regain my range of motion. I did them and they really, REALLY worked! Next, I had my first visit with the trainer, Rose. She showed me upper body exercises, and helped me tweak my lower body workout. Finally, I had a visit with the dietician, Aubrey, and got nutritional guidance. My strength has returned--in some ways, better than before the surgery. My husband was so inspired by my newfound strength, that he began to work out with me. I feel WONDERFUL! The ABC program has been such a blessing. Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped me in my recovery."

Michelle Parsley Kindle the Heart Fine Art Photography www.kindletheheart.com

Doreen

Doreen has had quite a journey over the past year!
She was diagnosed on December 6th, 2007 at the age of 49, then had 6 rounds of chemo first to reduce the tumor from December-April 2008. From there she underwent a lumpectomy in May of 2008, and had 33 radiation treatments that ended this past September.

She has been married for 30 years to her husband Rick, "who is the most loving and caring person. I could not have gotten through this without him."

She has two loving sons, Jeremy 29 and Josh 17, a daughter in law, Tracy, two beautiful granddaughters, Haley 6 years old and Jaidyn 7months old.

Doreen says:
I am so thankful for all my family and friends who were there for me. This journey not only made our family closer, it's made me a stronger person. I have been touched by such caring people and meet so many new friends during this past year which I will cherish each day. I came across this phase and I found it to be my inspiration: Count your smiles instead of your tears Count your courage instead of your fears.

Photography by Ro http://www.photosbyro.com

The Provost Girls & A Special Keepsake

Photography by Beth Eggert Photography

www.betheggertphotography.com

This is Tina and her daughters - The Provost Girls! Tina and the girls were photographed after her surgery, and before her treatment began.





When this young lady had her senior pictures taken, she wore this necklace in remembrance to her Aunt that she lost to breast cancer.

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month educates women about the importance of early detection. More and more women are getting mammograms to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. As a result, breast cancer deaths are on the decline.

Encourage the women in your life to get mammograms on a regular basis. Visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website at http://www.nbcam.org for more information.

Amy

Pamela Robertson writes:
This is my friend Amy, 39 years old, diagnosed with breast cancer a just
about a year ago. She underwent a bilateral masectomy, chemo and
radiation. She just finished with her treatments and was told she is
cancer free! We took these images 2 weeks ago in Newport, RI.


Photography by:
Pamela Robertson
Hobgood Robertson Photography, LLC
www.hobgoodrobertson.com