Robert Marsac

Survivor

In July of 2003, I had a discharge coming out of my right nipple. I went to the doctor and at first he told me it was probably a ductile issue and there was nothing to worry about. However, after taking a tissue sample, it came back positive for breast cancer.

About two weeks later I had a total radical mastectomy on my right side. It was the hardest thing I ever did. I felt the same as women do when they are faced with that issue. I didn’t what to loose my nipple, but the doctor said it was my only choice. It turned out that they got all the cancer with the surgery. My Oncologist still wanted me to go through 4 Chemo sessions just to be sure. I started my first session in August.

I didn’t feel anything for two hours, then I became the sickest I have ever felt in my life. Just looking at food on the TV made me run and throw up. I was tired all the time but could not sleep because of the steroids they were injecting into me. I remember that it made my mind so fuzzy that I couldn’t understand the words in an email a friend had sent to me.

Finally in October of 2003, I had my last chemo session and started the drug Tamoxifen. This had some side effects as well. Mood swings, hot flashes, etc. My doctor compared it to going through menopause.

Today I am still cancer free and a 6 year survivor. I am off the Tamoxifen and have undergone 2 plastic surgeries. I am grateful for my friends, family and my little Yorkie Scrappy, because without them I would of never made it through that nightmare.