Bonnie's Story

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About her story

"There's some things in life you have to share. You have to have someone to lean on, and they'll help you get through."

After performing a self-breast exam, Bonnie Brooks discovered a lump and immediately scheduled an appointment with her doctor. On September 11, 2008, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 metastatic breast cancer. With a difficult treatment regiment ahead, including chemotherapy, she realized that she could not face breast cancer alone.

"I was always very independent and I've learned with breast cancer you can't always be independent," says Brooks. "You have to be dependent on people to help you through."

Hear Bonnie's inspirational story and learn more about how she overcame breast cancer.

Related Questions

  • Missing

    Anyone heard of Cleaning for a Reason?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    6 months ago 3 answers •
    • Missing
      anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I just signed up and can't Wait. What a wonderful idea.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2011

      Yes, I used it! Got online, entered my zip code and got in touch with a cleaning service in my area that was affiliated with C for a R. A cleaning service cleaned my house top to bottom, once a month, for four months last year while I underwent chemo. This particular company also had local...

      more

      Yes, I used it! Got online, entered my zip code and got in touch with a cleaning service in my area that was affiliated with C for a R. A cleaning service cleaned my house top to bottom, once a month, for four months last year while I underwent chemo. This particular company also had local connections to other deals for the women going through treatment -- massages, carpet cleaning, etc. definitely check it out if you're going through treatment!

      Comment
  • Missing

    Hello, has anyone had a UTI or pain urinating 2 weeks after their chemotherapy?

    Asked by anonymous

    Family Member or Loved One
    about 1 year ago 2 answers •
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Yes, after my first chemo and a bout with neutropenic fever, I experienced a UTI after each subsequent round of chemo. My oncologist thought it may be as a result of the erosion of the bladder lining because of the chemo. I was put on antibiotics each time I became symptomatic and it worked...

      more

      Yes, after my first chemo and a bout with neutropenic fever, I experienced a UTI after each subsequent round of chemo. My oncologist thought it may be as a result of the erosion of the bladder lining because of the chemo. I was put on antibiotics each time I became symptomatic and it worked cured me each time. Urology ultrasound didn't show anything abnormal so we guessed it was just because my immune system was so suppressed.

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Yes, I have recently had slight pain when urinating two weeks after my 3rd A/C infusion. I was tested for an infection (urine sample) but it came back negative. That was a relief. I know from experience that once you get full blown UTI, it's very painful. Good luck and get tested just to make...

      more

      Yes, I have recently had slight pain when urinating two weeks after my 3rd A/C infusion. I was tested for an infection (urine sample) but it came back negative. That was a relief. I know from experience that once you get full blown UTI, it's very painful. Good luck and get tested just to make sure. Chemo side effects come and go like the wind. You just have to ride them out. Good luck.

      Comment

  • What is a "fish test"?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    almost 2 years ago 1 answers •
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a test that “maps” the genetic material in a person’s cells. This test can be used to visualize specific genes or portions of genes. FISH testing is done on breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy to determine whether the cells have extra copies of...

      more

      Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a test that “maps” the genetic material in a person’s cells. This test can be used to visualize specific genes or portions of genes. FISH testing is done on breast cancer tissue removed during biopsy to determine whether the cells have extra copies of the HER2 gene. The more copies of the HER2 gene that are present, the more HER2 receptors the cells have. These HER2 receptors receive signals that stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

      The FISH test results will tell you that the cancer is either “positive” or “negative” (a result sometimes reported as “zero”) for HER2.

      There's more on that from this site: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/fish.jsp

      1 comment

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