Throw Debbie a Bone

My name is Debbie and I’m a loving Christian mother with three beautiful children: Brianna, 22, Cameron, 19 and Colby, 17. I also have many animals who I have rescued and cared for as though they were my own children. This is my cancer story. 
On a very hot day in the middle of July, I went in for my annual mammogram. I did them the same time every year so I wouldn’t forget. Earlier in the year, I had already received an ultrasound on my right breast for two suspicious lumps. However, it, and the mammogram came out normal. 
“Yahoo!” Every woman who has waited for results knows, it is a great feeling to hear everything is fine. 
As summer faded into fall’s cooler weather, I noticed the ‘suspicious’ lumps had grown. I called and scheduled myself a biopsy. I had remembered my doctor advising to always have changes checked out, and that’s what I intended to do. To my surprise, the surgeon I went to see didn’t want to do the biopsy. He said there was nothing to worry about because of the results of the previous ultrasound and mammogram, as well as the lumps’ consistency. I was shocked, but trusted his professionalism. On one hand, I wanted to follow my intuition, but on the other, I truly wanted to be fine. Despite my gut, I went home. 
Fall turned into winter. The days got colder, snow fell and the holidays approached quickly. In the midst of the busy season, I took time to again check my right breast and discovered another change- the two lumps had become one. They had formed together into a larger mass. I was confused by the change, believing what the doctors had told me… believing I was fine. I decided to immediately go in and insist on a biopsy, with a different doctor. The procedure was non-invasive, fast and painless. It was so simple I practically kicked myself for not insisting on it sooner. 
My doctor told me that my fears were warranted. No one wants to hear the C word. I didn’t want to hear that I had cancer, but the doctor explained to me that the lumps growing together were an indication of an advanced form. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastasis Breast Cancer. It was a cancer that had progressed into my bones. The doctors finally became aggressive on my behalf, leaving me with the question, “What took so long?” 
I felt as though in a single moment, my life changed. I was told I was going to die. With no timeframe given to live, I was in shock. 
Christmas came and went, as did several doctor appointments for second and third opinions. I found Dr. William Robinson and Caroyl Emberly at the University of Colorado Hospital. I had a team of people, both medically and personally who cared for and supported me. Oncologists, surgeons, a reconstruction team and a social worker became my medical team. Everything in my life changed- housing, money, friends, body and mind, and even my social dynamics- yet my spirit was strong. 
I knew I would beat cancer because I was going to put up a fight. My faith, and my kids kept me strong. With my loving friends, family and a team of wonderful doctors by my side, I knew I could make it. The word ‘selfish’ left my vocabulary and I began to put myself first, probably for the first time in my life. 
The hard core chemo lasted six months. My kids shaved my head before the chemo took it all. It was a very cold winter without my hair, but I stayed positive even through several surgeries, radiation and expanders. In one surgery that lasted eight hours, they removed fifteen lymph nodes and twelve of them had cancer. 
I went into remission for 6 months, and then cancer attacked my spine. I began more radiation and new drugs. I went to the infusion center every three weeks for two years, suffering with terrible side effects including a three week coma. An infection nearly killed me, but after more amazing medical staff, I was able to go home on Mother’s Day. Slowly, with the help of my German Shepherd, Brewer, I began to walk and regain my strength again. 
Today, I believe cancer was a gift. Through it I have learned how true love, commitment, understanding, support, strength, community and compassion look. It has been a miracle. It has increased my vision, my faith, my love and my strength. My heart is bursting with thankfulness for my family, friends, children and medical professionals who blessed me beyond belief. 
I also want to say that I don’t take my life for granted. I don’t live like I’m dying, but rather I live to give back. I want others to know to trust their intuition. You know your body more than anyone else, so trust it. My mammogram and ultrasound were good. Doctors wouldn’t do a biopsy until I insisted. We all have very different bodies. They are each unique, so we need to listen to them. Beg for testing. Push. Be aggressive. If I had trusted my intuition, I may have caught my cancer in Stage One instead of Stage Four. Your intuition is the answer. 
Be kind, loving and positive. Work hard for whatever you want to achieve. You can do whatever you want if you can see it, believe it and work hard for it. I’m alive, well, strong and thankful for everyone’s help. Thank you all! If I can fight and stay alive, anyone can live their dream! 
I am still fighting and will continue to fight until they find a cure. We must say prayers for all who are fighting and funding to help the patients and their families who need hugs, food, and support. The Katz family cannot be thanked enough for the lavish support- Doreen and Adam- thank you!  
 
A Special Thank You to: 
All those who gave prayers, posters, flowers, gifts, and food. Thank you to my sponsors, fundraiser organizers and donors. The Doreen Katz Memorial Cancer Fund who helped keep my son Cameron in hockey, as well as provided school supplies. They stay true to their mission: “We focus on children that have a parent fighting any form of cancer by providing funds to cover fees now charged by schools directly to families and also provide therapy to help the family during a difficult time.” 
Without the financial support I received, I would not have had the normalcy my kids deserved- even being able to buy my daughter’s wedding dress was an experience I was able to have because of the generosity of those who gave their time, love and money to my family. 
To the Thunderbirds Hockey team, Palomino friends, Angelo Ricci, Scott, all the carpool friends, and my best friends for the village of support, long talks and care of my children you provided. To my mom and sister and kids who slept beside me every night, and were there each morning- you have filled my heart with love. I received so many things from so many people, that I could not possibly list them all here- in fact, I am still learning who some of them are- I will forever be thankful!