My MODEL MAHEM# is 558602
My AIM SCREEN NAME: SASSYCHEEKS07
I am a young advanced breast cancer survivor taking action to help prevent another young woman from being MISdiagnosed with such a devastating, life threatening disease.
I feel like kickin cancer's ass and taking all it's game! HA!!
First let me say that I posted this particular profile pic (that I took towards the end of my chemo treatments) to simply GET PEOPLE'S ATTENTION so that more may read the important, educational message that myself and so many of my peers are trying to spread. IT COULD BE LIFE SAVING FOR YOU or someone you know!!!
THIS JUST IN...
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE REVIEW
L.A. Breast Cancer Activist Honored With Survivor Circle Award Fairfax, Va., October 16, 2007 – The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology is pleased to announce that Stefanie LaRue of Woodland Hills, Calif., has been selected as the 2007 Survivor Circle Award winner. Ms. LaRue will be presented with her award and a $1,000 cash prize on Sunday, October 28, 2007, at 8:00 a.m. at the Los Angeles Convention Center during ASTRO’s 49th Annual Meeting, which will take place October 28 through November 1 in Los Angeles.
The Survivor Circle Award recognizes a person living with cancer in the Los Angeles metropolitan area who has devoted his or her time to helping others who are living with cancer in their community. Ms. LaRue was diagnosed with Stage-4 Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2005 at the age of 30. Before receiving her diagnosis, she was misdiagnosed by three doctors who told her that she probably had a breast infection because she was too “young and healthy†to have breast cancer. Ms. LaRue now devotes her time to educating men as well as women and the medical and insurance communities about diagnosing breast cancer and preventing misdiagnoses in women under the age of 40. “It is always inspiring to see a person who is diagnosed with a very devastating type of cancer at a young age turn that experience into an opportunity to educate and help others who are in a similar situation,†said Louis Harrison, M.D., a radiation oncologist at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City and president of the Board of Directors for ASTRO. “Ms. LaRue’s dedication to her cause will hopefully raise awareness that breast cancer can strike at any age.â€
According to the Young Survival Coalition, an international, nonprofit organization dedicated specifically to the issues and concerns of young women with breast cancer, there are more than 250,000 women in the U.S. under the age of 40 who are living with breast cancer; however, there is no effective screening tool for this age group.
Ms. LaRue founded the LaRue Foundation as a platform to build awareness of breast cancer in young women. Her mission is to prevent more women from being misdiagnosed strictly because of their age and not fitting “the profileâ€. She is a Project LEAD graduate and is actively involved in the Young Survival Coalition, American Cancer Society, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, and the Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance, as well as other organizations. Ms. LaRue has also attended the National Breast Cancer Coalition Conference in Washington, D.C., testifying in front of Congress for the past two years as one of the youngest of 600 women lobbying for passage of the National Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act. While receiving radiation therapy treatments at UCLA, Ms. LaRue was a participant in the award winning documentary “The Quiet War,†a movie profiling five diverse women living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. “I wish I would have heard about someone like me, at my age, getting breast cancer before I got sick,†Ms. LaRue said. “That is why I am so dedicated and passionate about truly branding breast cancer in younger women. There are new voices, new faces affected by this disease and people need to pay urgent attention to the message…this could happen to you, too!â€
The Survivor Circle was established in 2003 as a way for ASTRO to give back to the cities that it visits during its Annual Meeting. Each year, ASTRO partners with two local organizations to establish relationships with patient advocacy organizations and radiation oncologists and to raise money to support these groups in their work to help people living with cancer and their loved ones. This year ASTRO has partnered with The Wellness Community – South Bay Cities and Vital Options International. The ASTRO Annual Meeting is the premier scientific meeting in radiation oncology and attracts more than 11,000 oncologists of all disciplines, physicists, biologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals from all over the world. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Treating Cancer while Preserving Quality of Life†and the program will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of ideas, information and practical solutions for prevention, organ function preservation, treatment options and quality of life for patients.
For more information on Survivor Circle, the Survivor Circle Award or ASTRO’s 49th Annual Meeting, please visit www.astro.org. For more information on radiation therapy, please visit www.rtanswers.org.
If you would like an interview with Ms. LaRue please contact Beth Bukata at 703-839-7332 before October 26 or on site at 703-431-2332.
ASTRO is the largest radiation oncology society in the world, with 9,000 members who specialize in treating patients with radiation therapies. As the leading organization in radiation oncology, biology and physics, the Society is dedicated to improving patient care through education, clinical practice, advancement of science and advocacy.
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Ok, so I must say... THIS WAS A PRETTY COOL AWARD TO RECEIVE! Wanted to share this press release to insprire others to get more involved in advocacy and DO YOUR PART,however you can, in whatever field you choose. Words are not enough, action brings about change!
CNN interview 1/17/07
I can't tell you all enough how pleased I was that this interview made the front home page of CNN's website! HOW EXCITING!! It makes me feel so good to know that all of our combined efforts are paying off! Way to go cancer survivors!!! They are PAYING ATTENTION! I encourage you all to keep sending in your stories. THEY MUST BE HEARD!!! Again, it's wonderful that CNN felt this "topic" was newsworthy enough to move our interviews from the HEALTH section to the front home page. HOORAY!!
I am a Young Breast Cancer Warrior. I am focused on BCP&E... Breast Cancer PREVENTION and EDUCATION of younger women being diagnosed/misdiagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer is VERY real in women yonger than 40 years of age.
Quality of Life is extremely important, especially when you have been given a specific time period of survival (like me). I have chosen to live beyond that time frame and to do something of real signifigance.My mission is to educate the medical profession and general population about the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis/MISdiagnosis in younger woman under the age of 40.
The sad reality is that at some point in your life, every one of us WILL be touched by breast cancer. If you already have, you know how terrible of a disease it really is, and you probably understand the seriousness of what we are trying to accomplish.
Pass this on to anyone and everyone that might want to help out with the cause.
Speaking of passing it on... I am now hosting my very own radio show called SPEAK ON! that is internet broadcasted on BIGMEDIAUSA.com The following link is an archive of my first show. I interviewed two of my fellow breast cancer sisters in which they graciously shared their personal stories. After logging on to this link, click on the Journey Circle tab (on the left) and then click on the SPEAK ON! link (on the right).
http://www.bigmediausa.com/show.asp?sid=473/
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Also... THE LATEST AND GREATEST FROM MY PHOTOGRAPHER FRIEND LANGDON
http://web.mac.com/mynameislangdon/iWeb/Site/stefanie%20laru e.html
Stefanie LaRue’s Bio:
Stefanie LaRue is a young survivor. Stefanie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic (advanced/life threatening) breast cancer. She was only 30 years old. She was given one year to live.
Two years later, Stefanie LaRue is very much alive. After aggressive chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation and physical therapy, Stefanie has emerged as a dedicated activist. She is focused on breast cancer prevention, early detection and education. She specifically concentrates on branding the awareness needed for breast cancer diagnosis/misdiagnosis in younger women under the age of 40 – a diagnosis that was previously unknown and unspoken. She feels as though the days of hearing “You’re too young to have breast cancer†are OVER!!!
She has become nationally known as the young breast cancer warrior, sharing her life in the award winning documentary, THE QUIET WAR, presented by Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and international documentary A DOG'S LIFE. Television appearances/interviews include CNN, NBC NEWS, FOX 11 NEWS GOOD DAY LA LIVE, KTLA Channel 5 NEWS, KVUE Austin, TX, Susan G. Komen’s NEWS FOR THE CURE, Lifetime’s Health Corner, The Hallmark Channel, INSTYLE Magazine and numerous radio, newspaper and internet broadcast radio interviews. Stefanie was also a spokeswoman for the 2007 Revlon Run/Walk campaign and has testified in front of congress on Capital Hill in Washington DC.
She is also a very active and proud member of the Young Survivors Coalition (YSC), Living Beyond Breast Caner (LBBC), a Project Lead Graduate through the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network (MBCN), San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), California Breast Cancer Research Program (CBCRP), Los Angeles Breast Cancer Alliance (LABCA), board member of Y-ME National Organization and a member of the USC Norris Cancer Center’s Cancer Survivorship Advisory Counsel attending all annual conferences, events, fundraisers and meetings.
Stefanie is also the recipient of the 2007 (ASTRO) American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology Survivorship Circle Award.
Stefanie has been invited as the honorary speaker for numerous special events including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life events, Susan G. Komen’s Fashion for the Cure in Beverly Hills, USC’s Women’s Health Association meetings, USC’s College Campuses against Cancer event and the Heal Breast Cancer Foundation’s Awards Gala event. She is a patient navigator for several hospitals volunteering her time and guiding young women to case specific information and resources.
Stefanie is a passionate advocate, survivor, cancer sister, educator, volunteer, daughter, environmentalist, animal activist, sports enthusiasts, mother to her dog Milly, fashion model for print and runway, volleyball player, and a leading spokeswoman for a no-nonsense, real life. She is celebrating the woman she feels she was meant to become.
Stefanie, and women like her, are the new faces and voices of breast cancer.
The following pic is the DVD cover for a documentary that I shot this past summer (2006) about 5 women living with Metastatic breast cancer. To view more details about the film log onto...
http://www.affinityfilms.org/
Click on the following link to see that our film,THE QUIET WAR, WON the Reel Women in Film Festival here in Los Angeles this past March 2007. Again... HORRAAAY! It is so rewarding to know that there were over 2500 submissions in the documentary category and our film was selected to win. How prestigious!
Reel Women Film Festival of Los Angeles Program Book
MY STORY:
What you are about to read is a sumarized version of the journey that I have been on the last 16 months of my life. I hope you all feel my words in your hearts and share this experience and message with others. Here we go.
I was diagnosed in November 2005 with Stage 4 Metastatic (life threatening) Breast Cancer. I was given one year to live. I was only 30 years old. My family and I are still reeling from the shock of all this, as you can imagine, particularly because I was assured several times by my doctors that I was too young to have breast cancer. Guess what? I wasn't! I am writing this not only to share my story with you, but also in the hope that I might be able to help change the way the medical profession, insurance companies and people in general view breast cancer. It is one of my many goals to change the medical mark up and protocol for young women, allowing for possible early detection, diagnosis and treatment.
People generally think that breast cancer is a disease that affects only mom or grandma. Not so. Aggressive and life threatening breast cancers are infecting the younger generations, myself among them. For these reasons, we have a much lower survival rate. A Stage 4 Metastatic (life threatening) diagnosis means cancer cells have spread outside of the localized area (the breast), beyond the lymph nodes and into the body’s bloodstream. From there the cancer cells can attach, host, and attack any part of the body at any time by invading bones or organs or both. Who is really educated on this subject? More importantly, who is paying attention? Sadly, not many. This misguided view of breast cancer drastically affected my battle with the disease, and I am not the first to be overlooked in such a manner. That is why I feel compelled to do my part to help deliver the message about breast cancer diagnosis/MISdiagnosis in younger women. In my case, a one month earlier detection could have made a life changing/saving difference.
On Saturday evening, October 15, 2005, a gentleman I was dating at the time found a lump in my right breast. He immediately brought it to my attention and expressed his concern that I see a doctor right away. I have to admit I was surprised not just by his discovery, but by the fact that I had not discovered it before. For the rest of the weekend I couldn’t forget about the lump. I found myself constantly rubbing, mashing, and massaging my breast trying to figure out how it's exact size. I started to worry about the possibilities of what it could be.
On Monday I called the doctor’s office that was listed on my insurance card. Because I was a new patient (no records of prior illness because of good health) they couldn’t get me in right away, so my appointment was set five days later on Friday, October 21st. After my doctor examined me he had a look of uncertainty that I found unsettling. He actually asked if I had been bitten on my breast. After somewhat amazedly confirming that he was referring to a sexual bite, I answered him with a quick NO. He then explained that some women get what is called Mastitis, which typically occurs in breast-feeding mothers. He said that while rare, some “non-mothers†? do get Mastitis. I asked him about the possibility of this being breast cancer. He said I was too young and healthy looking and added that breast cancer is generally not painful or sensitive to the touch like what I was experiencing. He also stated that my mass did not fit the profile as it was not a defined lump. Naturally I agreed because I was taking good care of myself, eating healthfully, and working out. Still uncertain about my condition he prescribed an antibiotic and Vicodin for the pain, telling me to call him in a week if I didn’t feel better.
A week later I didn’t feel any better. I was running a low-grade fever every day at work and having hot flashes (didn’t know what those were at the time but certainly do now!) I was having EXTREME pain in my right breast and surrounding area, and was starting to notice my nipple retracting. That was unsettling. I had to show this to my doctor. Upon my return, he examined me again still believing what I had was Mastitis. I told him that it was strange but in those 10 days I was certain the lump had grown. He didn’t seem to agree after examining it once more but recommended I see this cancer surgeon who had operated on his father. He told me that he trusted this man with his father’s life when he had cancer and was certain that I would be in good hands. He then emailed the cancer surgeon explaining my situation and that I should see him right away. This began my nightmare.
By the time I got in to see the surgeon my symptoms had worsened. I asked my mom to drive in from out of town to attend this appointment with me, as I had faced the prior ones alone. I could tell she too was really starting to worry about the lump, regardless of the message that my primary care doctor was sending that I was too young to have breast cancer. After measuring my lump at 4 centimeters, the surgeon said exactly the same thing and sent me home with more antibiotics and Vicodin. I ended up going home with three different rounds of antibiotics and no tests. I could feel this so called “infection� growing inside of me and continued to express my concern to my doctors. I felt like they were not listening to me, but because they didn’t seem to be worried I kept telling myself that it was nothing serious. So wrong.
After returning once more to see my surgeon with no improvement, he scheduled an ultra sound. A large, inflamed mass was identified. The head of radiology came into my room to double check the tech’s results. He then asked me to get dressed and to come into his office for discussion. My nerves were twisted. He showed me my x-rays on the light boards and explained that though the mass was rather large, 4.6 centimeters large, and that it looked like I had a lot of inflamation, he felt strongly that it looked like a breast infection. Wrong again! This was doctor number three.
I finally had an incisional biopsy (that I felt I really had to push for), yet even in the recovery room I was told again by my surgeon that he doubted it was breast cancer. He believed it was just some kind of rare, strange, unusual breast infection. I was also told that the lab was probably going to take some time in getting back to me, because if he didn’t know what it was then the lab would probably not be able to identify it immediately either. Another incorrect assumption. Much to my surprise, two days later on my way to work I received a phone call from my doctor’s office asking me to come in at an hour's notice. She briefly explained that some of my test results had come back and my doctor wanted to see me. I phoned my mom excitedly believing that the NEGATIVE cancer results were already back and that it was indeed just what all of my doctors had thought… a breast infection.
On Tuesday, November 22, 2005 while sitting alone, I was told that I had a very aggressive kind of breast cancer. I went into shock! I immediately thought I was going to die. My cancer surgeon read from my pathology report these 20 letter words that I have never heard of nor could I comprehend in those moments. I knew that by the look in his eyes what he was reading to me was very serious. If I had known that I was to receive these kind of results I would have not gone to this appointment alone, but I was not prepared by anyone for this possibility. My doctor asked me if there was anyone I needed to call. I said, "I need YOU to call my mom at work and tell her what you have just told me because I can't say these words to her". At that moment I couldn't even say the word "cancer" much less tell someone that I had cancer. Still in shock, I remained composed until I heard my mom’s voice. I could not hold back anymore and the tears started pouring. I told her to sit down and my doctor was going to tell her something. I could feel her heart pounding through the phone with mine. I felt her panic. He began to tell her of my diagnosis. She cried out in tears. Her heart was broken. That is when I began to feel numb. My mom hung up and my doctor asked if there was anyone else to call. After experiencing his cold bed-side manner (time and time again), and how he handled the call to my mom, I decided that it was best for me to handle the call to the man I had been dating who would become my boyfriend. My mom said she would call my dad and the rest of the family in Texas while driving my way. My surgeon walked me back to the front reception area and told his assistant that she needed to call and get me in “STAT� for a Bone Scan, CT/PET scan, chest X-Rays, Blood work and an MRI. Hearing my surgeon use the word “STAT� gave me the shakes. The reality of my situation flooded me with anxiety. I wanted to cry so badly but felt I couldn’t until I walked myself to my car and then it would be ok to let go. That’s exactly what I did.
Sitting in my car in the parking garage, I called my boyfriend and asked him to please meet me at my apartment ASAP. He knew. He could hear it in my voice. I tried to stay strong because I knew I had to somehow drive myself home in one piece after hearing this life threatening diagnosis. Driving back to my apartment alone was extremely challenging. My vision was blurred by the tears that constantly filled my eyes. Once I arrived, I fell on my couch and completely fell apart. I sat there in the dark and cried with amazement that something like this could happen to me. I say this because all I knew of breast cancer was that it happened to OLDER women. NOT women in their thirties. I had never heard of someone my age getting breast cancer. The more I thought about what I was told, the harder I cried. My stomach was turned inside out. Twenty minutes later my boyfriend walked in, took one look at me, began crying, and held me. He held me for what seemed like eternity. He didn’t want to let go. I told him of my diagnosis and that I would completely understand if he needed to leave. Leave ME that is. I gave him that option because I knew this was something he did not sign up for (of course nor did I). This was my battle to fight and I already knew that it would be a heartbreaking one to witness. Completely devoted, HE STAYED!
Upon my mom’s arrival at my apartment she walked in and hugged my so tightly as to never let go again. She cried out in sorrow, “Not my angel baby, please not her, take me instead, please take me instead, this is not how it’s supposed to happen�. I have never seen my mom cry as she did that day. My dad and grandma flew in from Texas that night sharing the same emotions and shedding the same tears.
Less than 48 hours away was Thanksgiving Day. I told my boyfriend (who informed my friends) as well as my family that I did not want ANY cancer discussion. I wanted the day to be festive and fun, not depressing with sadness and tears. Besides, my Dallas Cowboys were playing that day and that game is something me and my family look forward to every year. And it was as I wished.
Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, it was time to go back to work. Not to my current job but to the hospital. I had my first CT/PET scan. The following Monday I was scheduled for a bone scan. Tuesday I had extensive blood work and an appointment with the gynecologist due to 2 weeks of irregular bleeding. The first thought by all was my cancer had spread to my ovaries. A vaginal ultrasound proved negative for cancer. Thank goodness! Wednesday I had a 2 hour full body MRI. MISERY!! Especially when you are closter phobic! It was also a day of results from my oncologist. Sitting in my oncologist office with my boyfriend, family, and best friend present, I was told there was a spinal lesion on my T12 vertebrae. If in fact this proved to be cancer I was given one year to live, if i was lucky. My oncologist then scheduled a “STAT� (there’s that word again!) spinal bone biopsy for Friday. My nerves were on edge. I needed a second opinion ASAP!
After being referred to a highly credible breast cancer surgeon (by my boss’ wife who had a double mastectomy due to breast cancer) at a leading breast cancer center I was immediately scheduled for multidisciplinary consultations. After three frustrating days of trying to find out my spinal bone biopsy results from my first oncologist, the current nurse practitioner said that she would call over and get the results for me. She did just that! Unfortunately, she had to be the bearer of bad news. I was upgraded to Stage 4 with bone mets. The cancer had spread beyond my breast into my lymph nodes and spine. The visions that invaded my mind were so horrific! Again, I felt sick to my stomach. Now I am really going to die. I thought about getting my affairs in order and writing a will. After all, this was the clear message that I was receiveing from the doctors. Then I said to myself, “wait a minute, I am only thirty years old! This can’t be happening�. Sadly, it was. It seemed bad news was never-ending that day.
Within three weeks I started chemotherapy. By that time my lump measured over 8 centimeters. My tumors were a constant reminder of the cancer that had invaded my body. For that reason, I welcomed the chemo. Prior to starting chemo, I had a direct line portocath inserted into my left arm. Thank goodness again because my hands and arms were bruised and my veins collapsed and ripped from constant attempts and insertions of IV and shot needles. Chemo treatments consisted of six hour infusions, three weeks apart, for six months. First week post treatment I developed a neutropenic fever. I was rushed to the emergency room where I spent 10 hours experiencing hallucinations, 104 fever, and excruciating body and bone pain. The kind of bone and joint pain I felt was absolutely UNBEARABLE! I will just say this: I was in SO MUCH PAIN that I did not want to be alive experiencing it any further. I was ready to “check out". My white blood cells had dropped to 0.0! I had NO protection to fight any germs, yet, I was in the ER for 10 hours with nothing but sick people. The ER doctors said they had never seen anyone’s white blood cells “bottom out� to 0 the way mine did and especially at the rate in how fast they dropped. I was admitted to a high level quarantined room for the next three days over Christmas. Only my mom and boyfriend could visit me. No other visitors or any deliveries (flowers/balloons, etc.) were allowed in my room because of possible germ transmission. Due to my white blood cell count bottoming out, it was ordered that everything and everyone who was allowed in my room was sterile. Being quarantined for seven days following future infusions was now mandatory. Because of severe dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting, Hydration treatments were also added to my regimen.
Some of the intolerable side effects of chemo included nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, severe diarrhea, and body cramps. Loss of memory from “chemo brain� was the most frustrating and embarrassing side effect. By this time, I had dropped 20 pounds. I couldn’t taste anything for the thick coating of toxins on my tongue. I developed hemorrhoids from the severe constipation due to the Vicodin for pain management. As an added bonus, the chemo forced my body into early menopause. With this came (and are still present) blazing hot flashes, drenching night sweats, and grave insomnia. I was told that I could never have children because the presence of estrogen in my body would feed my cancer. My doctors warned me that if I did get pregnant while under going treatment, either decision made, I would probably die. I was emotionally devastated. I wondered how people could live through this. I now know first hand it is truly mind over matter.
I spent my 31st birthday in February 2006 participating at the Young Survivor Coalition (YSC) conference in Denver. There I found many other women close to my age living with breast cancer but few with Stage 4. I was relieved in a sense because I felt so lost and alone after my diagnosis. The YSC is specifically geared toward and focused on women who are diagnosed at 40 years of age or younger. This is the only organization that exists for young women like me. I had just finished my third round of chemo and of course was still bald at the time. I was relieved to be among many, many other young faces and bald heads. I needed to relate to someone that truly understood what I was going through because they were living through the same nightmare.
In May 2006, I was given the opportunity to attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Conference (NBCC) in Washington DC. There I learned of the NBCC’s Agenda, exactly what it stood for, and what it meant for me. While on Capitol Hill, I met with numerous Congressmen and women sharing my story and lobbying to pass the National Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Act (HR 2231) which is top priority on the NBCC’s Agenda. By choosing to go bald (without my wig) it is my belief I made a strong impact on Congress members as well as my fellow cancer sisters. I was one of the youngest of 600 women attending this conference. There are now 234 members in the House and 64 Senators signed on to this bill. My efforts paid off. My face was remembered. My voice was heard.
For me, a price was paid. While in Washington my legs, ankles and feet began to swell. At times, I found it very difficult to walk. Upon my return home to Los Angeles, I was wheel chaired from plane to plane because of connecting flights. By the time I landed back in LAX, my feet no longer looked like my own. The change in altitude had taken its toll. The damage was done. I suffered from a serious form of Edema. I was immediately put on bed rest and given a prescription of sexy compression tights (to wear for 3 months) of which I still have to wear today when flying. Now after surviving two surgeries, the removal of a tumor over 4 centimeters, and 20 lymph nodes, I am now classified as NED: No Evidence of Disease. YAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!
In closing, it is critical I share my experiences and knowledge with as many other daughters, sisters and girlfriends, whose lives have been sent into turmoil by a breast cancer diagnosis. Cancer knows no color, age, or sex. It has no boundaries. This happened to me, and it can happen to anyone. It has changed my life forever. I want to help deliver the message, young women CAN and DO get breast cancer! Statistically, cases in younger women are on the rise, a fact that contradicts the established notion that women under 40, rarely, if ever, get this disease. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15–54. I have been told by my doctors it is not a question of "IF" the cancer reoccurs, it is a question of HOW, WHEN, and WHERE it reoccurs. They said to me and my family "It is all about Stefanie having quality of life for the time she has left".b
My passion is to be a spokeswoman for myself and other young women living with Breast Cancer. It is imperative we be our own advocates in this battle and make our own choices. While lecturing at charity fund raisers, events, hospitals, high schools and universities I want to be a voice that is heard and a face that is not forgotten. I want to give hope to young women and insight to the uneducated. I am a young cancer warrior with the power of pink on my side!
Please help me educate others by forwarding my story/message. Help me to prevent another young woman from being misdiagnosed. It could save a life. Join me in my efforts to be a vehicle that creates an awareness and a better understanding for this unnecessary loss of life. Together we can make a difference.
Thank you for YOUR TIME, compassion and consideration.
Sincerely,
Stefanie LaRue
Stefanie LaRue's Stats:
Currently 32 years of age
DX 11/22/05 at age 30
Stage 4 Metastatic
Her2 negative
ER positive
PR negative
8+ cm primary tumor
Neoadjuvant chemo: TAC (Taxotere, Adriomysin, Cytoxin)
2 right lumpectomies
20 lymph nodes removed, 4 positive
7 weeks radiation
Reconstruction
Get HIGH on HOPE!!!
PDC: Prevent, Detect, Cure!
I consider myself a warrior! What is the definition of a warrior? One who is engaged in or experienced in battle.
One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in an activity, cause, or conflict. This, is me.
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Below is a slide show of the 2007 Revlon Breast Cancer Bra Decorating Party that my wonderful sweet friend Vivi put together for our team. I wanted to do something different to celebrate BOOBIES!! My number one goal... for people to PAY ATTENTION! And it worked!!! Wait till ya see what we are doing for next year!