Welcome!

Hi my name is Sabrena.

I would like to thank you for stopping by. Here you will read about a subject that can be sensitive to some yet has affected many women and men all around the world. I have experienced it my self as well. I am a Breast Cancer survivor. Whether you have just been diagnosed, are currently going through treatment or are in remission our lives have been changed forever. Breast cancer knows no age, gender or race. For some people breast cancer is in their family history while for others no one knows why or how they got it. It is not so much how someone gets cancer the fact is people are being diagnosed daily with something that is very scary and traumatic. I am hoping that by sharing my story I can help someone get through things and let them know that life does go on and there will be an end to the treatments. You have not necessarily been given a death sentence although you may feel like you have been. There are times when the road to recovery seems long and bumpy but there is an end to it all. Breast cancer and all the various treatments are/can be hard to deal with at times. With better understanding that there are others like us sharing the same feelings, insecurities and questions helps us to face things and know we are not alone. Through support and lending a helping hand to our fellow breast cancer & cancer survivors we can get through it and lead a healthy and normal life.

Since I have no way of thanking two women personally that gave me a very special present I would like to share with you my experiences I had with them.

Around 10 years ago I was taking swimming lessons at a local pool. After one of the lessons a few of the ladies went in to the locker room to take a shower. While in the shower this one lady proceeded to remove her suit. At the time I thought no big deal we all are the same. She shared with a friend the fact that her swim suit had a prosthesis. She mentioned that she had breast cancer several years ago and had a bilateral mastectomy. At the time the surgery had left some pretty ugly scares on her chest. While she took a shower she was visiting with her friend having a good time. I was impressed how comfortable she was with herself and was not bothered by people seeing her or asking her questions

On my way home I stopped at a grocery store. While in line to pay for my items there was a lady in front of me talking with the cashier. The cashier asked how she was feeling and doing? The customer responded she felt great. She was all healed and was starting to get out and do things. She made some comment about being a breast cancer survivor. I visited with her while in line and she shared with me that she had a bilateral mastectomy. She said she felt great and was glad she did not have to wear bras. She was wearing a loose fitting t shirt and it was not obvious that she wasn't wearing a bra. She was very positive and willing to share her experiences with me.

At the time I did not have breast cancer. I was impressed with how these two women were so positive and willing to share their story. I never got their names and have never seen them since. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2000 and September 2001 I thought of these two women and the message they gave me. They showed me that it is who you are as a person on the inside and despite what your physical appearance may be it doesn't change who you are. I feel they have helped me to be the best I can be, to love me for who I am as a person and to make my life the best I can and to enjoy life to it fullest. So to these two angels in my life here on earth I want to say "Thank you. Although you may never know how much you helped me I will never forget you. I just hope I can help one person as much as you have helped me."

I would also like to let all my family, friends and co workers know how much I appreciate their support. Without their kind words and generous support I would have had a much harder time dealing with everything on a day to day basis. I love each and every one of you. You are the best a girl could ask for. Thank you so much! You all are my hero's.

I plan on being active in the local Breast Cancer Walks here in the greater Seattle area. The 2003 Avon Walk will not be in the greater Seattle area. Although I am just a tiny bit disappointed I am still very hopeful that in the near future the walks will return. There are still some walks locally that I can participate in. Summer 2003 Avon is having a 2 day walk in Portland, Oregon. I am unable to make this walk but for those that can I have provided a link so you can get the details. There are some differences from the previous years 3 day walk. As future walks approach I will let you know if I am participating. If you choose to do a walk they are quite inspirational, fun and worthwhile. Have fun!

I belong to a breast cancer support list. One day I received an email from a member of the list that I found to be quite interesting. There are many websites that are neat but this one in particular I found so interesting I wanted to share it with you. One of the neat things on the site is you can light a virtual candle. You can write a message and sign it. There are several candles on a page and it is quite interesting to read what others have written. You can light a candle in memory of someone, to show appreciation, to let someone know you are thinking of them or whatever you are feeling at the moment. The candle burns for 2 days and then your message is deleted. You can also see what the earth looks like at night from outer space. It is really cool. Click on the play tab to see the picture of earth. There are poems, books, quotes and lots of things to read. To light a candle and or see what they offer visit Gratefulness.

I am no longer active in Team Survivor since I can't participate in a lot of the activities due to work. Here in Seattle they have a Dragon Boat Team. It is great! Besides being great exercise the gals are lots of fun. Check out Team Survivor to see if there is a group near you. So you want to be on a Dragon Boat team. For more information visit Team Survivor Northwest or Club Sake for a group near you.

The web pages I have listed are of the opinion, beliefs or personal experiences of the person or group supporting the site. Some sites are graphic and can be offensive to some. I have found them very helpful at various times of need.