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  • Not vetted for CNN

    • Click to view SAlberico's profile
    Posted November 16, 2012 by
    SAlberico
    Location
    Santa Monica, California
    Assignment
    Assignment
    This iReport is part of an assignment:
    CNN Fit Nation: 2013 Triathlon Challenge

    More iReports you should see

    1yr Cancer Free- Listen To Your Dreams

    By SAlberico  |  Posted November 16, 2012  |  Santa Monica, California
     
    My name is Sheryl and I live in Santa Monica California. My journey started a year and a half ago. It all started with a repeat dream that I had breast cancer. I went to my doctor to beg for an approval for a mammogram. He said I was in great health and refused to give me a referral since I was under 40 and that day I broke up with my doctor of 12 years. I lied to a new doctor and got an approval for a mammogram. My dream was correct. My husband and I were on day 78 of P90X when I was diagnosed with extremely aggressive breast cancer. At the end of August 2011 after having my first mammogram and turning 39 I was also diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene. As you can imagine it was quite a shock. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi surgery. In one year I have a double mastectomy, IVF to freeze my eggs, chemotherapy and a partial hysterectomy, I got married and bought a condo, I had a long road of recovery, but with the help of my wonderful group of friends and family to help I got thru this. I work for a wonderful company that supported me thru this ordeal. I came back to work full time in May and haven’t stopped working. I feel like I needed to give back to my friends, family and work because they helped me so much. I’ve gained 40+ pounds and don’t have any energy. I’m on medication to suppress my hormones and I’m in menopause. I have severe joint pains and hot flashes. But have found that exercise has helped with my symptoms.

    My husband owns a ski and snowboarding shop and I would describe him as a very outdoorsy man. My eleven year old step son is extremely athletic, he surfs, skis, runs, hikes, plays soccer, football, basketball and baseball. I feel like I can’t keep up with my family and I’m being left behind. When I was diagnosed I was in the best shape of my life. Thank god because it helped with my recovery. I need to get a better work like balance. I work for a company whose brand is wellness in the workplace and I don’t live our brand. I need this support and goal for my wellbeing. My sister was also diagnosed this year with the BRCA2 gene and has followed the preventative path. She encouraged me to submit my story. I would love for you to select both of us. She lives in Atlanta Georgia and I live in Los Angeles. I know this challenge is exactly what I need to get me back on track. I’ve always said that my cancer journey has been a gift and if I’m selected this would be the biggest gift. It all started out with a dream and this is the next dream I need to conquer.

    Thanks!
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