Wow, Zebra - that genetic testing coming back positive for BRCA2 just in the nick of time is a great example of the importance of testing. It is excellent that your surgeon now uses that experience to spread the word about the importance of testing. Thanks for sharing that.

I have not kept my early diagnosis a secret from my closest friends and one has already offered to donate leave if needed or to do anything else possible. Another offered to fly up to be with me if/when needed and her daughter is fighting pancreatic cancer too. I knitted a prayer shawl for her daughter last year. Who knew I would be here a year later with my own CA? I knew I had amazing friends, but this is beyond words. My son has called me several times from his home out of state and will be here if I need him. My boyfriend will take me for my biopsy next week and whatever else I need. Yes, people are amazing and it humbles me.

I had trophoblastic disease in Dec., 1992. My unborn child died, which is when the malignancy was discovered. Thankfully, I didn't have to have chemo, but because it spreads through the vascular system, chemo was offered the day the malignancy was discovered. I was in shock and said no as I had a 2 year old at home to care for and "didn't have time" for cancer treatment. Thankfully, it hadn't metastasized. Who knew that would be a warm up exercise for this? I learned then that people just don't know how to talk with someone who has cancer, so we have to help them with the awkwardness sometimes. People want to help, want to know and show compassion but just don't always know how or what to say. Yes, we are strong and this is just a rough patch in the road of life. Thanks for the reminder and support. All of you are all so amazing and I am so glad I found this group!