On Monday, November 2, 2009 I was diagnosed with HER-2 Breast Cancer. HER-2 is an aggressive form of cancer that occurs in about 1/3 of breast cancer cases. The past two months have literally made my head spin. Here I was, a 37-year old newlywed of just four months, enjoying life, when all of a sudden everything came to a screeching halt. I found myself with stage III breast cancer, undergoing test after test, and now treatment after treatment! I began chemotherapy eight weeks ago, which will continue once a week until May. After we shrink the tumor, I will undergo a double mastectomy. The fun doesn’t stop there. I also have a large mass on one of my ovaries, which will also be removed at the same time as my mastectomy. This mass appears to be benign so far, but must be removed nonetheless.

I’m sporting a new hairdo these days as well, thanks to chemo. I must say being bald isn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. My husband, Enos, has shaved his head to support me – we sort of look like the Coneheads on the old Saturday Night Live episodes! I will gladly go without hair for any length of time in exchange for my life returning to normal.

I am so touched that Caroline would want to run an entire marathon in my honor. She is one of the many Angels watching over me. Thanks to everyone at Columbia for your support and prayers. I WILL kick cancer’s butt and maybe even join Caroline one day running by her side!

Blessings to you all, 

Belinda