Thank you for sharing your story about your membership in the "Club!" I'm a member, too.....but it's been 5 years for me.....cancer free!

Lorna
age: 41

Dear Anne,
I just heard on TV your story that you had breast cancer. I know exactly all the different emotions that you had and are going through. I found out Dec. 2002 that I had Inflammatory Breast Cancer. After going to my dr. in Sept. of 2002, complaining of intermittent pain in my rt. breast, he said it must be do to hormone changes. When I finally went back for another check in Nov. of 2002, I was sent for a mammogram and had 3 different ultrasounds, which all showed nothing wrong with my breast. Thank God my doc. sent me in for a biopsy 3 days later, which came back positive for IBC. (you MUST be your own advocate for your health and don't just accept easy answers. Listen to your body and be persistant!!) I too had chemo, surgery and radiation. It was a whirlwind of a year!
You are a true hero and inspiration to everyone facing the dreaded words, "you have cancer". It is VERY true that life does goes on. It can be a very large 'bump in the road' in life, but there is so much more to live for. Keeping busy, positive and remembering that everyone who faces this challenge is not alone. I am so proud of you! May God bless you with his strength and continued good health!!

Anne briefly pointed out one thing, which needs to be amplified and repeated, that she was fortunate enough to have health insurance that enabled her to be tested, and then paid for the necessary treatment. Tens of millions of Americans are not as fortunate. They have no health insurance or insufficient coverage for the high cost of cancer treatment.
And those of us who have had cancer previously often can not get health insurance later on, or can't get policies that cover subsequent recurrences.
When will America stop practicing selective euthanasia via inadequate health insurance?

Dear Anne, I wish you an very easy and "uneventful" recovery. Once cancer or other immense event effects your life, I just wish for "dull" and uneventful.

"Same old ,same old" has a nice ring to it. In December 1994, when I was 5 months pregnant, my husband was diagnosed with non-hodgkins lymphoma. I asked his oncologist if he would be alive for the baby's birth. He looked at me and said he hoped so. Well we got "lucky". After full treatment and a bone marrow transplant he is stable. I live from CAT scan to CAT Scan. Cancer entered our lives and changed it permanently. But not necessarily for the worse. I tell people, no one lives for ever, all of our clocks are ticking. Only ours is louder. We are on notice that life is finite. Use it well, enjoy the good, don't sweat the little. I told our kids when we finally told them that their lives have changed. We stepped through a different door, and its one way. I tell them when god gives you lemons, make lemonade. Make yourselves better people who are sensitive to illness and who try to avoid the materialization that surrounds us.Sometimes I think they are listening, but other times I can hear their eyes rolling. You were right, you don't have cancer, you are living with it. We dominate it, not the other way Best wishes.

Dear Anne
Your story was phenomenal and so true. I too had long blonde hair, perfect health, working out, great job and then those nasty scary words you have cancer were said to me. That was August 26, 2005. Two years later, after a mastectomy, chemo, no hair, no eyebrows or lashes to I am slowly but surely getting back to normal. Watching your story I saw me, the long blonde hair, the work, etc. I too worked the whole time - 6 surgeries, chemo, etc. I too was scared to death when I was first diagnosed afraid that I would die. I also had the buddy system, who came and listened to the dr. when I was not listening, who came to the surgeries, chemos, wig parties, etc.

One thing I learned from this is that I am strong, my children are strong and I have a very very strong net work of friends that I really didnt realize were there. I learned alot about me and who I really am and what is really important to me. It was truly a learning experience. I even went to get chemo on a friday afternoon from work then went straight to a Bon Jovi Concert for my daughter's sweet sixteen birthday. Never did I think I could do that but I did.

Thank you for telling our story. You have told the story that so many other women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer need to hear that yes life goes on, yes we can work, be mothers, and still get treatment and yes we can survive.

Thank you from one survivor to another.

Brian/Anne: Yesterday I saw on the news the importance of an MRI...Praise the Lord, and I hope that more women will pay attention to this...scarey...YES!!! Because you really don't want to know the answer. On May 6, 2005 I had a bi-lateral mastectomy, and I am happy to report that I am Cancer free. I under went two operations in late 2004, and my surgeon said that I had NOTHING to worry about, but wanted me to have a mamogram three months after my second surgery just to 'make sure'. After my second surgery, my surgeon told me and my husband that he felt all around and found nothing. So there was no concern on his part...I went for my three month mamogram check-up and they found reason to do an MRI. God bless the Dr. that suggested that to 'my' Dr. One week went by and I felt that I was safe. I call my Dr. and asked what was the report, the front desk girl stated that I needed to make an apt. the following week for him to over the report. Happy was I, because it didn't sound serious. So I made my apt. for the following Tues. My husband came home from work, and I was so happy, I asked if we could go out to dinner, because I had called my Dr. and they said to come in....JUST THEN MY HUSBAND INTERUPTED ME AND SAID...'ON TUES AT 3:30 IN THE AFTERNOON'....My first thought was 'gee how did you know that'...then I looked at his face, and he looked back at me and said....'Hon, you have Breast Cancer'.....this AH of a Doctor called my husband at 'his work place' and told him first rather than telling me. And I had made a call that same day, and the staff never said a word to me.!!! Needless to say, I changed Dr.'s immediately, and got the Chief of Staff at Karmanos. I saw him that Tues. morning, my husband and I talk in great detail, and we both decided I would go with a bi-lateral mastectomy. I am now in my second anniversary coming up May 6, 2007, and I am Co-Chair person to the Amercian Cancer Society Relay for Life In Shelby Township's First Annual Relay. This is a very powerful event which will be held on June 2nd, 2007 at RiverBends Park, 22 Mile road, between Shelby Road and Ryan Road...the name of my Team is 'THink Pink", and this is my second year of doing Relay for Life. Last year I jumped in with Romeo, and they (the American Cancer Society) were so inspired by what I did, that they asked if I would Chair the First Annual Relay for Life thru the American Cancer Society in Shelby Township....My passion is now to help others, and I would hope that YOU will contact me so that the American Cancer Society will get good publicity for something very important for women to know... Yes...I TRULY BELIEVE IN MRI...and I TRULY believe it should be for any women to have a mamogram as early as 24 years of age....especially if there is Cancer in the family. Doesn't matter where it is, it will attack your next generation without a doubt. PREVENTION IS THE CURE, and I am working very hard to help find a cure to ALL cancers.
Still alive an able to do good for others...that is my passion and reason for living... M~ (Think Pink)

Anne, it was so good to see your report, I've been there and done that. I feel I am blessed and by the grace of God I will continue to keep doing good. I finished all of my treatments Sept. 2006. I have my own hair now and it is really thick and so nice. My family and church family have been my support and strength. I will be praying for you and wishing the best for you.

Dear Anne: Yesterday, the memorial services for a great friend of mine were held a week after her passing. She was only 57 years old and leaves behind a very courageous family. I was with her from the beginning to the end. When I heard your story tonight, I went into my kitchen pantry and started to rearrange the cans (a clear sign to my family that I am in some distress!) and I cried because you gave me hope that this killer disease will be ended in our lifetime. If nothing else, we can show how to be who we are no matter what happens. May health be yours always -

Thank you, Anne, for sharing your story -- you look marvelous!!! Thank you, Brian for posting Anne's story. It is encouraging to read about all the courage, and about all the success stories that other readers have posted here.

My husband is a 10 yr. cancer survivor. We spent a horrendous year with chemo, tests, etc. It made us more aware that "things" are not important. Friends, family and our faith were the important things. The more we hear about cancer and "living a wonderful life and cancer cannot defeat" the more others can cling to that hope as they face circumstances that try the strongest.

God bless you. Thanks for sharing. Hear's to many many more years of looking cancer in the face and coming out triumphant!!! As my grandchildren would say, "You can't catch me!!!"

I just read the comments about Anne Thompson and her cancer survivor story and I agree that cancer is not a death sentence. I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July, 2004. I am also middle school teacher and I was very open about my journey with friends and students. That was my therapy. When my hair began to fall out...I showed it to my students. When it was gone...I showed it to my students. I did not want them to be afraid of what was happening. And, when my hair began to return...I showed it to them. When the next school year began, they were so excited to see my real hair. I celebrate life every day because I AM A SURVIVOR!

Dear Anne: I also was diagnosed in 2001, had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation. I just found out in January 07 it came back elsewhere. I'm a single mom with adult sons, one of which has a disability and I worry about him. I was so private at work about telling anyone with the exception of a few. I just don't know how to handle it sometimes. Thank you for sharing your feelings and courage with everyone, maybe I'll learn to do so this time around. God bless us all. Chris

I have always been an NBC Nightly News watcher and have always been impressed with the quality of professionals in the anchor chair, but I have to say Brian Williams brings with him such a genuine sense of warmth and true caring for people on both sides of the news that helps me not look away from our troubled world. Thank you.

Dear Anne,
I did not realize you had cancer. After reading your story, I am happy that you are doing well. You and Campbell Brown are my two favorite "female" journalists. I wish you well in the future and will keep you in my prayers. God Bless You!!!

3-9-07, 'I don't have good news for you'....
3-23-07, bi-lat mastectomy. next week, chemo begins.
they tell me I am cancer free now, and chemo prevents a recurrance. why would anyone keep breast tissue if you are guaranteed metastisis if you keep them?

Anne, We hear in your old parish of St. Paul on the Lake were saddened to hear of your recent battle. We were proud to have you in our congregation and sorry to see you leave. We all give thanks for your good news.

Anne,
I just read your story,and I'm very pleased for you and your family. I too am living with cancer, but from a different side. My husband Phil, was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, back in 3-9-2001 and what a journey it has been. To much to tell,treatments to many to remember,testing to much to bear, and so on.It spread to his lungs in 4-2005. Just the other day, just passing are 6yr. mark,Hospice has now entered our LIVES. What a wonderful organization,we had them for my father at the same time Phil was diagnosed (Wow that was a bad year).Even thou we are at the end of our journey, I pray for those who get the news, that will change their lives forever,and wish them courage and strength and be WELL !!!! P.S. He had just turned 50, that year,so I recommened that men should be tested sooner!!! Their was no family history!!

I truly wish you well!!!!

Anne
I've just been diagnozed with breast cancer. Like yourself,I also had yearly mamograms and did not have a "lump". I believe that the word needs to get out that you don't necessarily have to have a lump to have cancer. If you feel different see your doctor. Thanks for sharing your story.

Anne, I am so happy that you are doing so well! My daughter was diagnosed on Feb.5,2007 with breast cancer at 30yrs.old. She is a wife,mother and teacher.She had a mamogram because of family history, then an MRI. The doctor told her to wait 3 more months for a sonogram but she insisted on a biopsy, Thank God! She had a bilateral masectemy 3 weeks ago and will start her chemo over her Easter break. It is a long journey but we will all be there for her. Her school, parents,children and community have been so supportive, it is truly heartwarming! Their prayers, cards,emails, phone calls, flowers, gifts, hugs and visits have lifted her spirits tremendously. If you know of someone who has cancer,be there for them. Let them know you care. Cancer has no face and hopefully one day they will find a cure...God bless you, Mimi, Monrovia, Maryland PS. I hope to do my part by participating in the American Cancer Sister Study

I had a feeling something was going on with you Anne. I watched the hair changes in a very brief amount of time...I watch Nightly, nightly. My Mom passed ten years ago from lung cancer as did my father five years later. They were both heavy smokeres but interestingly enough, my Mom had stopped 8 years prior to diagnosis and my Dad 10 years prior. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year. She has just finished up with radiation after her surgery. I too was diagnosed with cancer last year. Prostate. The cancer remains within the prostate itself and that being the good news, I'm having it out this April 26th in Miami. The point I'm trying to make here is exactly what I think you, as well as Elizabeth Edwards and certainly Tony Snow (amongst countless others!) are doing what I've chossen to do...live! Yea, it sucks, yea, it disrupts your life, but life is short enough, you can still live a full and "cool" life, perhaps just differently than you're used to. I think I'm in the same age group as the group I mentioned above (49 last month) and I think our generation looks at life differently than the generation before us, as did the one before them. We're (and I hate to use the term) Boomers and we still want to play! So kudos to you, good luck with your cancer free life and I'll be watching you as I always have, comfortably.

Anne, I have missed seeing you for sometime now and when I did see or hear the odd news story you did report on, I wondered what was up and I am so sorry I never followed up checking in with you. I will pray extra hard and have my EWI gals in Detroit pray too. It was so good to see you this morning. You are looking great. I am glad you are back. God bless, you are an inspiration.

Marilyn S. (EWI Detroit-Windsor) Detroit, Mi.

Anne-
I feel blessed to have seen your segment this morning - so many are members of what I call the "reluctant sisterhood" of breast cancer survivors. I will celebrate 2 years tomorrow- also having experienced the Triefecta -- I appreciate your words - especially how important the will to live is and share your courage with others - keep it up!!!!

Dear Anne,
Thank you for sharing your insprirational experience with breast cancer. I was diagnosed in June,2003 and finished treatment in February, 2004 then had reconstructive surgery the following June. I take arimidex daily. It feels great to say "I am cancer free" doesn't it? When I was diagnosed I foolishly thought I was receiving a death sentence. Because of fantastic cancer research and putting faith in my fabulous team of Doctors I was able to focus on treating the beast. We don't always like what happens to us in life, but we like life and do what we have to do.
Thank you for being a positive influence on those who have just been diagnosed as well as all your "sister survivors!"
all the best to you.

Anne:

It takes a tough woman to survive cancer AND network news. Congratulations from one of your original fans.

Anne,
First, CONGRATULATIONS on surviving!I am also writing because I hope you read this and perhaps this an idea for a story that would help those living with cancer and diagnosed.

Thank you for something you said in your interview this morning which is something that really is not talked about in this country. You said that there was an enormous pressure to be better. Fianlly I can put my finger on why not only being diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, going through 26 weeks of chemo and then 7 weeks of radiation isn't hard enough, there is an overwhelming pressure of "Well she's done with chemo and her hair looks good, so is she really so tired?" "Why isn't she really doing all the things she used to do?" "I saw her at the store and she looked fine to me."
I also think that as a business woman it's hard and no one really understands what the treatment does to you physically not to mention emotionally. As crazy at it sounds I used the word "embarrassed" when I told my boss I was going to be out to get treated for breast cancer. I really felt like I was letting him and the team that reported to me down because I'd gotten so sick from the chemo treatments and my blood counts were dangerously low and I'd have to be out of work.I had no mentors or roll models to guide me in what to do, and I think that is a missed opportunity in the treatment of this disease.

The thing that helped me through is the tremendous and amazing support from family and friends. I truly feel I am the luckiest person alive to have such wonderful people in my life that care,understand, and help me get through cancer. I am a 2 year survivor! Everyday I wake up and say "Good morning world! What can I do today because I got to live."