Lori Trier Chicago, Illinois United States Amazon Heart Thunder United States 2005, 2006 Support Van Driver

HAPPY 40 TH BIRTHDAY, YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER

I woke up a few days before my birthday and took a shower. I felt a weird lump and then knew my life was gonna change. Even though it took 2 months to confirm that I did have breast cancer, on that day in the shower, I already knew.

I was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in May 2002. I had to start chemo immediately to prevent the cancer from spreading. 6 rounds of chemo, then a mastectomy, 2 more rounds of chemo and then 6 weeks of daily radiation. Throw in some reconstruction surgery, a blood clot that burst in my lung, and you have a roller coaster ride that I am now glad to say I am off of. And very happy to be!

Dealing with cancer was made much easier with the help of my husband, my son Donny and my dad and a few very close friends. They were there for me through all of it, and as I look back, I realize how scary a ride it was. They helped me when I had a no hair bad day, when I had my moments and when I just wasn’t sure what would be around the corner. My husband still asks me if I am gonna be alright. I tell him that I am and that if it does come back, I know more now and will just deal with it. I did not let it get me before and it will not get me in the future! Driving with my 16 year old son will probably give me a fatal heart attack before cancer gets me!!

Having been through cancer has changed how I look at life. I am more assertive, I don’t wait for things to happen, I just go out and do them. I never would have went on this incredible Harley Davidson ride up the coast of California before I had cancer. I am involved in a lot of support groups and have helped a few newly diagnosed women who freaked when they heard the words “you have breast cancer”. I tell them that it is not a death sentence anymore.

I joined Gilda’s Club in Chicago for support because my husband and I were so overwhelmed. He went to the family support groups and I went to the survivor’s groups. I knew I would survive my cancer. I have met a ton of incredible women and made many new friends. I volunteer at outreach events with Gilda’s Club as a way of letting people know that there is life after cancer and also to give back all the support I received while I was going through my treatments. Working with Y-Me and the American Cancer Society, the Komen Foundation (who choose me as their Local Hero this year) and various other organizations is very positive for me. My husband knows deep down that this is good for me, even though he wishes I was home more often. Four years later, I am doing good and enjoy taking risks.

The friends I made during the ride in 2005 are awesome. The courage and inner strength they possess is beyond words. I am sooo happy to be joining them again. I have a ton of respect for M & M for all the hard work they do to keep these events going. To all my sisters who are in this club that they didn’t ask to be, I love you all.

Lori Trier

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