I am 41 years old and a 2 year survivor. I would be happy to share
my story, I just don't have the time to sit down and write an essay
right at this moment! lol A little bit of background, I am married
and I have 2 boys, they were 7 and 9 when I was diagnosed. I also
have a yellow lab who got me through more bad moments than I
care to remember - she spent hours on the couch with me and let
me cry into her fur often. :) I had a double mastectomy, chemo,
Herceptin, and radiation. I also had reconstructive surgery. I have
had a lot of ups, downs, and roadblocks along the way. But I'm happy
to say that I'm healthy and feeling good.
I'm not going to lie, this is not going to be an easy fight, it will be the hardest thing that you have ever
done. You will have dark days, and I truly believe there are times when you just need to let yourself cry.
However, do not allow yourself to wallow - find the strength you didn't know you had an pull yourself
up by your boot straps. And above all - embrace joy! Learn to find it in the smallest details and
moments of your life, and laugh whenever possible - it will get you through the darkness.
Ang Burbrink
ie
View my Full story at: http://richmondmetrowoman.com/directory/listing/angie_burbrink_-_a_richmond_warrior_chic/
It was a beautiful sun filled day and the sun cascaded over the building as I
entered my doctor’s office on Libby Ave. I entered a room where my doctor
was viewing the mammogram, with a team that consisted of my surgeon, a
radiologist, anesthesiologist, and a breast cancer specialist. As I sat down,
my doctor gently said to me that I had what appeared to be stage 2 breast
cancer. As he proceeded with the information, I heard nothing else but
cancer and was afraid I was going to die. I don’t remember leaving the
doctor’s office or driving home. My husband, daughters, sisters and friends
were anxiously awaiting the results and it really hit me when I had to repeat,
“I have breast cancer.” This was in 1993 and I was 50 years.
After the initial shock of learning that I had stage 2 Lobular Carcinoma in
Situ breast cancer in my right breast, I became determined to educate myself
about the disease. I decided on a mastectomy with reconstruction identified as the TRAM or transverse
flap performed by a plastic surgeon and I am happy to declare that I am pleased with the procedure and
results. I also became a certified speaker, advocate and ambassador on breast cancer.
Life was good. I was employed with Richmond, Public Schools, enrolled at J. Sergeant Reynolds
Community college where I obtained my associate degree in Early Childhood Education in 2002. I also
joined Sisters Network Richmond, VA Inc., An Affiliate Chapter of Sisters Network® Inc., A National Breast
Cancer Survivorship Organization.
In 2007 I had my routine mammogram and it was suspicious again. I was diagnosed a second time with
stage 1 Lobular Carcinoma In Situ left breast. Was I shocked again, Yes, Discouraged, No. I feel God
prepared me for this 2 time journey and this sista is truly blessed. I became an educator, ambassador,
and advocate for breast cancer. But most of all he provided me with a Christian fellowship with him, my
family, church family, friends, and the community by his word. To know God and his word is to love
him. He does not give you anything that you can’t bear even though it made seen hard at the time of your
bumps in the road. Philippians Chapter 4 Verse 13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth
me.” (KJV) He has given me the strength to persevere, stamina to persist, and knowledge to pursue. In
2007 at age 64 I obtained my Bachelorship of Arts Degree in Sociology from Mary Baldwin’s Adult Degree
Program and today at age 70, I am pursuing my masters’ degree from Virginia State College in Psychology.
God is Good! The journey continues…
Annie M. Coleman
View my full story at: http://richmondmetrowoman.com/directory/search_results_keyword/305367508e601f74e90f48baefff7c8a/
Please tell them you found them in Richmond Woman Magazine!!
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