What happened, in summary

Marese was referred to a breast specialist and diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. The news left her feeling numb, helpless, vulnerable, isolated, and worried about the future. She changed to a hospital closer to home, consulted a second oncologist, increased her exercise, and adopted a healthier diet.

Her treatment included lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. She completed active treatment and said the cancer was in remission. She continued hormone therapy to help prolong that remission. The treatment plan gave her relief and hope, but it also caused hair loss, lymphedema, and peripheral neuropathy. She managed these effects with prescribed medication.

Doctor visits and medication costs strained the family’s finances, and her husband had to take time away from work. Marese stayed active and tried to remain closely involved in her children’s lives. She contacted her parents even when she could not visit them as often as she wanted. One of her greatest fears was leaving her children because of cancer. Focusing on survival, family, and self-care helped her stay positive through treatment and recovery.