Lisa Fiorino

This is Lisa's Story and I am Lisa's Husband: Lisa and I found out there may be an issue on March 25th, 2015. Lisa had been getting regular mammograms and after her last they recommended we see a surgeon.  A couple of days later we entered the surgeons office together, not really concerned thinking more than likely a false alarm, Lisa has had others in the past, had no real family history of breast cancer, maybe an aunt many years ago, we were concerned but not overly worried. The surgeon entered the exam room and was not optimistic this time and in fact stated that this looked like cancer. We were both shocked, as the surgeon left we both cried. The biopsy confirmed the Surgeon's suspicions and after more doctors visits,  another surgery, and to make things more interesting  a very real scare due to a blood clot found in her lung, we were told Stage 3 Breast Cancer.
Anyone who knows my wife knows there is no quit in her, very determined, very dedicated to her family and job and somewhat stubborn. Just some of the many reasons I love her with all my heart. Knowing her I knew she was not going to let cancer slow her down and she hasn't. 
My wife, against my wishes, would schedule her doctors visits around her work and family obligations. I can think of one time that I had to pry the laptop out of her hand as they were wheeling her into surgery. Many times after chemo she would ask me if we could stop by work so she could finish a couple of things. On another occasion,  as soon as we had finished a chemo treatment, we took a trip 4 hours away so she could take an exam for a certification she needed for work. I have more, and believe me I was frustrated to no end, but I think you understand, there is no quit and no limit to her determination and dedication. I ultimately came to terms with this and understand that by keeping herself busy and challenging herself it was helping her cope with the chemo and operations.
Just 6 weeks after her last Radiation appointment she decided she wanted to make a go of hiking Pikes Peak. Not an easy feat for someone with no medical issues. She makes me very proud and is an inspiration for anyone battling this terrible thing called cancer.
Lisa was given the honor of speaking to everyone and sharing her story at her annual company meeting/retreat  just a couple of weeks ago. Lisa left them by saying "We never fully know what challenges personally and/or professionally face each person we come in contact with, but we do know why we make the choices we make. If we are honest with ourselves and consciously decide to make choices and not excuses we can overcome obstacles that lead to better outcomes and eventually success. Whatever happens, happens and you can't change it once it does, but you have a choice how you respond to it. Face things head on, learn and grow from them.
My wife Lisa Fiorino is one of the bravest, strongest persons I know and I could not be more proud of her.
We live day to day with the worry of cancer, but we are not letting it define us or run our life. We have plans, plans to grow old together and play with our grand kids. Please keep Lisa in your prayers and post any words of encouragement. Thank you for taking the time to read Lisa's story.