Claire Benfer

Here's my story...

I woke up on a Wednesday morning in June and felt itchy on my right breast, then I felt it and it had a hard area and it was hot to the touch on the side of my breast.  I got up to check in the mirror and WTF...my breast was red/ purplish. I didn't panic right away, I actually thought maybe I got bit by a bug or bruised it getting on/in the speedboat at the cabin, either way I'm seeing a doctor the next day..they wanted to do a video chat (Covid bullshit)....hells no..Im coming in tomorrow!!

The doctor couldn't explain it.  Not a bug bite and very swollen.  Doctor suggested ice packs and Ibuprofen...I told her I want a mammogram...she said it will hurt so I should wait for a couple weeks for the swelling to go down and with it so swollen she suggested the Jane Brittain Cancer Center for a more intense and thorough exam. That was a three week wait and it got worse ...I was really worried...and rightfully so...

Jane Brittain was amazing...did my mammogram...by the time I got home they scheduled a biopsy for the next day.  I had two areas biopsied on the right breast. By the next day they had informed me it is cancerous and they want me in the next day for an MRI. I had the MRI and was contacted by the most wonderful woman at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center that said I have an appointment with an Oncologist the following Monday.

My oncologist, Dr Blazar,  a most wonderful man explained that I had 'Her 2 positive' breast cancer and we are going to start Chemo and radiation immediately...at his point my head is spinning ...and I need a PET scan to see if it is in my organs and bones. I had  the scan the next day and yes it had traveled into my bones and lymphnodes...this makes it metastatic breast cancer....but no organs at this point....whew...but now they need a head MRI to see if it's in my brain...so the next day... another MRI...good news...no brain tumors.  My boyfriend Steve, who had been a rock this whole time was right by my side....finally took his first breath in weeks...now we know what it is and now we can start the fight!!!

Had my 1st Chemo end of July and will have at least 6 more rounds...

I am staying positive and I am going to fight like hell...you who know me know I am one stubborn girl and I get what I want...I am determined and with the support of so many of you, my friends and my family, I know I will overcome this trial of life!!

I have been slapped in the face, and I believe God has opened my eyes to the fact that life is a miracle not to be squandered and is full of beauty if you open your eyes to see it! My life has changed ..strangely for the better with the gain of appreciation for what the world has to offer and also to have compassion for our fellow man...we all have struggles...so lets support one another especially in this day and age of trying times.

Love,

Claire