Dina's Diary - Journey of a Cancer Survivor

Additional Audio

Ed's Emails
	After my breast cancer diagnosis I realized that we had to tell friends and family.  I was simply not up to phoning people all over country and having to tell the tale over and over again.  Nor did I want my children to hear me talk about my cancer repeatedly.  I decided an email was the best way to communicate and my husband Ed offered to write the initial message.  His periodic updates spanned the course of my treatment.
The emails served as a communication vehicle with those we care about, a source of strength for me as people replied, and (perhaps most importantly) a therapeutic vehicle for my husband to express my condition along with his thoughts and frustrations throughout the year.  Ed’s first and last emails are included here.   Read the First Email   Read the Last Email

Photo Gallery

Your First Diagnosis...

…might not be your last.  It may not be clear from the radio piece, but what in part made my experience so emotionally difficult was that my diagnosis got substantially and unexpectedly worse mid-stream.  When I was first diagnosed I thought that I had, if you will, the best case scenario within the bad realm of having breast cancer.  I was told I had the most common kind of breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) and a smallish tumor at that.

Read More...

Statistics Are Only Numbers

When I was first meeting the doctors that would determine the course of my days over the following year, several threw out the statistic that I had an 80% to 85% chance of surviving 5 years.  While this information was given, I believe, in the spirit of encouragement, I found it terrifying and unacceptable.

Read More...

Cancer and Kids

According to the National Cancer Institute’s 2003 data,  breast cancer rates in women between ages thirty and thirty-nine is 1 in 233 and 1 in 69 in women between ages forty and forty-nine.  Thus, more and more women find themselves with a cancer diagnosis and children, maybe even little ones.

Read More...

Being Brave

While fighting cancer people often comment on how brave and courageous you are.  While I am a firm believer in taking all the compliments you can get when you look and feel like @#*%, this particular compliment never rang true for me.  Real courage is when you are intimidated by something and voluntarily choose to do it anyway.   What I felt was simply determination.

Read More...

Share your own story, and comments...

If you have comments about “Dina’s Diary,” or if you have your own breast cancer-related story to share, we encourage you to post your thoughts here for others to read. - Share Now

Listener Reaction...

• I was in the kitchen today making my very first-ever batch of matzo ball soup for my best friend when I decided to turn on the radio for company and heard Dina's story. I had to pause often to wipe tears with a handy paper towel. With every word I recalled the chapters in my friends life since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of '06. She has been in treatment since October of that year and has been in constant treatment until just a few weeks ago. I relived every corner of my friend's care through Dina. The disbelief in diagnosis, the belief it would only be a lumpectomy, the seeming brutality of two separate biopsies. We researched and planned and quizzed but it was a blessing not to know much of what was ahead. Chemo, a double mastectomy, a radical reconstruction decided upon because of the inevitable radiation. Then a drug trial that finally kicked her butt. The decisions to be made seemed endless and painful, but the hand-holding was constant. My friend is also blessed with love and support. Through all of this, she's felt lucky and in the best possible hands at UCSF. We're hoping she can share a long life with her pride and joy, two beautiful daughters. As her nurse has said, the "healing clock" doesn't really start ticking until all treatments are over. So tonight we'll share another meal before her now 7pm bedtime rolls around. I'm going back to tend to those mysterious matzo balls. I hope she'll be proud of me. All the best Dina. Continue to live your life as if taking in every luscious taste of that hard candy.
  Naomi - 1-26-08
  
  
• I have been listening to NPR for about three years and your story was easily the most moving and memorable of them all. As a father and husband, I thank you for telling it. I think everyone would benefit from listening to it. While only Dina knows the pain she suffered, I could almost put myself in her shoes for that brief hour moment. And that I think is the most important thing, letting people know the story from the other side. Thanks Dina.
  Matt S - 1-24-08
  
  
• I thought that story was beautifully told. I hope the best for you.
  Steve - 1-23-08
  
  
• So raw and real! There are so many elements of your story that have affected me. One; my grandmother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and because of her age the drs.' opted for a double mastectomy. While concerned with her initial diagnosis of 'cancer' (which is now in remission), i don't feel that i, or anyone else in our family has empathized or comforted her in a way that we should have. i think the general consensus was, at her age just losing your breasts... not a big deal. i thank you for your story and will be checking in on her tomorrow. losing your breasts, or any part of your body, is clearly a traumatic experience. secondly, the support of your friends and family, mostly your husband, have inspired me to give very thoughtful and careful consideration to whom i share my life with. its not a subject to be taken lightly. congratulations to you for your struggle and survival, and many thanks for letting us listen and learn.
  Whitney - 1-23-08
  
  
• I was just in my car and was able to catch a small part of Dina’s Diary. What an extraordinary program. I’m hoping you’re going to rebroadcast it because I was only able to catch a small part of it. I think every man who has a significant other or a wife should hear this program. It really struck me as a profound insight for any man. Thank you very much.
  Ron P - 11-23-07
  
  
• Dear Dina, I want to thank you for your courage in telling your story, and thus giving hope and strength to others. While I have been fortunate in not having to personally face this type of health challenge, I have countless friends and family who have. It seems every time I turn around another friend has been diagnosed with cancer, especially breast cancer. Sometimes I am at a loss for words when I hear the news anew. Everything that comes out of my mouth sounds so cliche. Since hearing your story, I now recommend to friends that they give it a listen. It never fails to move people. I have listened to your entire story several times and am always overwhelmed by the end of the hour. Thank you so much. Prayers and best wishes for you and your family and your continued return to good health.
  Lucy D - 04-28-07
  
  
• Dina and Ed - It was by complete accident that I ran across the diary and everything related on the CPR website. I had no idea this was happening to you. I applaud you for your courage and strength and willingness to share the experiences. As you may recall, I know something about the experience of being a breast cancer caregiver (with a child) myself. It is not a pleasant experience, but it is enlightening. All the best to you from all of us here in Seattle.
  Love, David T - 01-26-07
  
  
• Dina, thanks for sharing your story. I found it to be very touching and inspiring, yet filled with feelings. Sometimes joy, mostly fear and being surrounded by loving support. I can relate, as I was diagnosed in 2001 and went through similar experiences. It is not enough to live our journey but we need to tell our story. This is what makes it easier perhaps for the next person. I regonized your name and realized we helped you deal with the intial diagnosis and obtaining services through UCD. Thanks again, I hope life continues to be good to you.
  Sarah H - 01-16-07
  
  
• My dear cousin Dina way far away in California, I have now listened to your diary in Berlin, Germany via internet. Thank you for your graciousness in sharing. You are so right, Din, when I see people smoking, I also ask myself, "What are they thinking?" And one final point, which might seem petty, but nevertheless: If you felt less brave and courageous than determined in the process of making decisions and enduring the whole process, then I would like to point out that bravery is the main prerequisite for strong determination. Love to you, Ed, Noah and Maya - You cuz
  Lauren 01-12-07
  
  
• I was able to listen to Dina's Diary today. I did it at work, big mistake. My co-workers wondered why I was crying. I know Dina, and admire her greatly. My children are the same age as hers, and for me being a mom is exhausting. Being a mom going through chemo is unimaginable. I just wanted to share my most vivid memory during her journey. Our mutual friend who just had a baby, fell and hit her head. Dina and I came over to help her. DIna had just received her diagnosis. Dina and I were talking about my husband's back surgery. Dina immediately offered to help, so did our friend. I looked at both of them and told them they needed to stop taking care of everyone else, and to take care of themselves. I was really struck by her generosity, here is someone facing such a life changing diagnosis, and she can still think of others. She is amazing, and the picture of grace through all of this. She is a rock star.
  Nho L - 01-11-07
  
  
• Dina, Thank you so much for sharing your very personal story. I am also a survivor. Exactly two years this month, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 40 years old and like so many others, cancer was nowhere on my radar.It was a long road, but with the love and support of family and friends, I made it out on the other side. Granted with a lot less hair, but hey, I am here!! I sat in my bedroom and listened to the entire hour feeling what you felt and thinking of all of the other women who have been down that road. Just in the last two months, two of my friends have been diagnosed. What is happening? You are correct when you say it is an epidemic. Now, two years out, I can breath a little easier, but I also want to stop this disease cold in its track so my own daughter will not have to hear those horrific words, "you have breast cancer." I speak to anyone who will listen, walk in the walks/race for a cure and with each step I can only hope that we are getting closer to a cure. Thank for your courage and openness. Good luck and God Bless.
  Jill F. - 01-04-07
  
  
• I listened to "Dina's Diary" in the car last week and had to pull over in the rain to hear the whole thing. And I was crying, because it was so fresh in my memory. 2006 was my cancer year and, believe it or not, I had forgotten some of those details, and I cried all over again as Dina went through them. I, too, had ductal carcinoma, but it was "the good kind." It's amazing how many doctors have referred to my cancer as the good kind this year. That means that it is non-invasive and once they get the cancer out, you are proclaimed cured and told to go live your life. But I lost my breast and I lost it very quickly. One biopsy, one lumpectomy, and then a mastectomy with reconstruction - all in less than two months. I never went through chemo, never went through radiation but I didn't keep my breast and I cannot get used to this idea that the cancer that I couldn't feel or see could take that part of me away forever. And so I am very lucky and yet I'm not whole and I have to deal with this on my own. The doctors are done with me and my family wants desperately to get back to normal life. Thank you Dina for taking this thing out of its private, polite world and giving it a voice. The emotions are overwhelming and we don't have a good way to handle them although family and friends are the most wonderful blessing of all. I urge every woman who reads this to get a mammogram - I never ever believed I would get breast cancer and my kind of cancer could only be detected through mammography. Don't wait until you can feel it. We are a secret society of women who have had this disease - you would be shocked to know because we don't tell you about it but once you are diagnosed you will not believe the numbers of women who will share their stories with you.
  Maria C - 01-04-07
  
  
• I applaud you for your great courage and incredible openness. You have given a gift to many of us by demystifying the cancer treatment process. With all that you have gone through, and all that you have shared with us (including your precious family!), I know that the best is yet to come for you. Thank you so much,
  Larry C. - 01-05-07
  
  
• This is one of the best shows I have heard on kxjz. Everyone should listen to this, if only to remind ourselves what is important in life, and to count our blessings. Thank you, Dina, for your courage ,and your generosity in sharing your story with all of us. You can add me to the list of your admirers and supporters. I wish you all the best.
  Emily L. - 12-31-06
  
  
• 3 surgeries, chemo, radiation & LYMPHEDEMA. Support Group was a disaster. People gave me hundreds of books - unbelievable...are they (albeit wellmeaning) totally out to lunch? I hiked and kayaked thru it all. I learned to be towed. I learned to accept help. I made it thru chemo with NO SIDE EFFECTS. Diligence! I've since started and help run a lymphedema education and exercise group thru our local hospital and welcome others to visit the lymphedema resource & info page on my website: www.adventurebuddies.net Wishing you a healthy 2007!
  Jayah F - 12-31-06
  
  
• I only caught snippets in the car radio today but got home just in time to hear your web link. My wife has finished 4 of 8 chemos by Cjristmas. We also read the comic-style book "Cancer-Vixen" - Both your diary and that book has given us the roadmap that the doctors don't seem to have laid out well. She has a team of doctors, each a specialist in there part of thr treatment and so trying to get a roadmap is like pulling teeth. Only the cancer-victors who've been through can speak to our need, Thank you, thank you, thank you. - Livermore CA
  Harry B. - 12-29-06
  
  
• I don't have a cancer story. I do have a SURVIVOR story of another kind. And, I have listened to Dina's Diary twice now and many of the promos. I am blown away and SO proud of a fellow SURVIVOR! It takes a lot of courage and faith in oneself and one's medical professionals, as in Dina's case, and an incredible support network. I believe it also helps to have a STRONG faith in a LOVING God, which will be shaken, examined, rebuilt and strengthened. I had all that, and I am so blessed, as it sounds like Dina is also. " BRAVO--you go, Girl!" And, do do Oprah and anyone else who will give you a caring audience. Dina, you are an inspiration! Thank You.
  Linda Lou H. - 12-29-06
  
  
• Having been mammogrammed 3 times this year due to irregularities in my breasts; I listened with great interest to Dina's story and Dina herself. I'm not surprised her friends of 39 years ago still communicate with her. Who wouldn't want to be with such a wonderfully human, sincere and beautiful person? I've known older women whom have had breast cancer but for some reason I've never delved into their stories. I think I was unconsciously trying to keep breast cancer from being my story too. Thank you Dina for being brave enough to share yours and unveiling the seemingly endless hole that does indeed have a solid bottom to land.
  Susan G - 12-29-06
  
  
• I listened to this broadcast because my best friend just had a lumpectomy and is battling with the decision of whether or not to do chemo in addition to radiation - journeys I can only imagine but so far can't participate in. She's understandably emotional and I want to be as supportive as possible. Additionally my sister is a radiation therapist who just signed on to participate in the Breast Cancer Fund's Climb against the Odds on Mt. Shasta in July 2007 and I'm drafting her fundrasing letter. Dina's story gave me much inspiration to write as well as to support Leslie. I hope she continues to revel in the fun she recognizes now as important in her life and I thank her for her compelling and uplifting story. May 2007 bring her and her family nothing but happiness and good health.
  Susy A. - 12-29-06
  
  
• Thank you. Know that you are admired and loved.
  Jack R. - 12-29-06
  
  
• Listening to Dina's Diary tonight was the most powerful story I have ever heard on talk radio. It stopped me in my tracks. I am a 31 year old mother of two small children. As I cooked dinner and listened to Dina's story, tears streamed down my face. What would I do if I were diagnosed with breast cancer? My husband sat down and listened as well. Dina's words were honest and real. You could feel her fear. You could feel her will to survive. Thank you Dina for revealing the reality of such a frightening situation. I admire her determination to stay strong and to never give up. How beautiful to come out of this with humility and a renewed love for life. Dina is right, the simple moments in our lives are like sweet candy. We need to slow down and savor life. I close my eyes and send out a prayer to all the women who have been affected by breast cancer. You are true warriors. Never give up.
  Bianca D. -12-29-06
  

• Thanks, Dina, for sharing your story. I was diagnosed a few years ago, at 51, with breast cancer. I couldn't have been more surprised. Mine was found very early, stage 0, during a routine, diagnostic mammogram. All I had to have was a lumpectomy, and I am cancer-free, and enormously grateful. Every day. One lesson I learned is we must support and educate each other about this disease. Luckily, my work permits me to speak through the media and promote early detection via annual mammograms. It's important to share our experiences out loud; as I said to my well-meaning friends and colleagues who somewhat timidly asked me how I was doing, "You mean about my CANCER?" We can't begin to lessen the fear of what we can't even say. Thanks for bringing more light on this difficult and scary subject.
  Candis C. - 12-29-06
  
  
• Just want to thank Dina. I'm right there with you. Love to you, Dina.
  Jean C. - 12-29-06
  
  
• Dina. Your diary is bold, powerful and too close for comfort. My wife is a few months away from her "one-year walk on the beach." You made us both remember some things about surgery, treatment etc. that we had already forgotten (which is a good thing). Your diary will give non-cancer related people a vivid insight into experiences that many of us have gone through and many others, unfortunately, will experience. Last word- early detection!
  Bruce W. - 12-29-06