Breast Cancer Warriors

Sue has fought breast cancer three times during her life and emerged victorious each time. She is still recovering from surgery and chemo last summer. Her family and friends have been able to track her progress and give on-line support thanks to Caring Bridge.org which displays her journal, pictures and guest book entries so that she doesn't have to repeat the same story to each person. Recently she was kissed by dolphins in Key West, an experience some say is a miracle cure in itself. Sue celebrated her 1st wedding anniversary a few months ago with the man who has stood valiantly by her and they are planning to resume their favorite pastime of traveling the country in their RV as soon as she is up to it. They say three times is a charm Sue!

Linda also battled cancer three times. Beautiful and slender, she traveled the world as a swimsuit model, went to college, and settled down to be a mom, only to be diagnosed with a cancer in her throat at age 21. She emerged victorious and had another child before cervical cancer struck four years later. Nothing could stop her though, not even when she had a third battle to fight (breast cancer this time) at the still tender age of 40. I met her a few years later in CompuServe's Breast Cancer forum where she often gave encouragement and support to those of us who were in the throes of battle. Not only did she thrive despite the attack of this dreaded disease, she went back to university and achieved her goal becoming a psychologist. She says "20 years on, I feel that each day is a gift. I have enjoyed, every single moment of my life post-cancer. My doctors told me I would never waterski again, due to the surgery is, but I do and love it. I also swim, paddle a kayak, surf, snorkel and workout at the gym. Being a psychologist, I use my journey to encourage and support other people facing similar life challenges."

I first met Linda and Sue in the mid-1990s in CompuServe's Breast Cancer forum when I was living far from most of my friends and family and needed to talk to others who could understand and give advice. Along with a dozen or more women in similar battles, we formed bonds that has lasted until this day. For several years, I kept up with daily entries on the forum, and later, kept in touch with some friends by e-mail. I met a few of them in person. Sue and I have met several times as she lives only a few hours away. I have yet to meet Linda, she lives on the other side of the Earth. But someday...