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HERS Breast
Cancer Foundation Phone:
510-573-2089
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Bras for Body &
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Tributes >> Johanna Horodenski
Life has a way of throwing you a curve when you least expect it. So it did with me, as it most likely did with all of you. Nobody signs up for Cancer, yet too many of us are left with no other choice than to accept it and deal with it. It takes time for Acceptance to kick in. It is like a freight train hits you, when the doctor gives you the results of the biopsy or test. First disbelief; how can this be, I did my exercises, I had proper nutrition, there is no cancer in my family, whatever the case may be. Then some of us wonder WHY? I never did ask that question myself, because I figured I will never get a proper answer anyway. It took me a couple of weeks to accept the fact and then I started my "Battle" with Breast Cancer and I was determined to win. Life is too precious to let it slip away without a good fight! I was diagnosed with DCI (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) and had a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery at the same time. I remember thinking I am so lucky that I did not need chemotherapy or radiation. I was blessed, or so I thought. 18 months later the cancer was back. It had spread to my lymph nodes and this time it was much harder to accept, but what choice does one have? The way I see it, NONE! So I went back into the starting blocks for the second time. I was never competitive with sports or games, but now I am determined to win, no question about it. This time it would be harder--another operation, the taking of my lymph nodes and chemotherapy for a grueling 6 months. Looking back, the 6 months flew by and I was not as sick from the chemo as I thought I would be. I was suppose to have radiation, but because of my Lupus I was not allowed to undergo radiation. I felt a little short changed on the treatment because everybody else had radiation in my condition, but I have no other recourse. The radiation could do more harm to me, than the radiation would benefit me. I had a wonderful support team--my husband John and my sons were by my side all the way; the family members kept in contact at all times. My friend Jeanne, my cancer buddies from the support groups and my boss and co-workers were there for me when I needed them. And that makes all the difference! We need to care for one another and give support when and where ever we can. June 4, 1999 was my last chemo treatment. The relief I felt after that last treatment was tremendous. I was done! No more chemo! Now it is up to me! The doctors and the medication have done their part and I am on my own to continue with this fight with all I have in me. I have the will to fight this. I feel the courage to face any upcoming stumbling blocks and the determination to win this competition with Breast Cancer. This journey has taught me to enjoy simple things in life. No more rushing here and there. I take my time, smell the flowers instead of rushing by in a hurry. I feel the needs and desires of people around me, not just their presence. There is overall more awareness of life itself. I am in peace with myself and that makes me a better personal. I never engaged in public speaking. I was too afraid. But I figured, if I can beat cancer, I can conquer this fear of speaking just as well. I am proud to be with all of you tonight, to honor the memories of those who lost the battle. We still have a chance. AS LONG AS THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS HOPE AND AS LONG AS THERE IS HOPE, THERE IS LIFE!!
Diagnosis: DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) |
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Johanna shared her story publicly at the Luminary Ceremony of Relay for Life, June, 1999