On January 20, 2003 my mother, Dixie Olinger, went into the hospital to have a lump removed that had been there for at least a year. Her doctor then seemed to not be worried about it, even after my mother had told him that it ran in the family. Her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago, and is still with us. We thank God every day. My mother switched doctors and had a lump removed.

On January 27, 2003 she was diagnosed with Inflamatory Breast Cancer, one of the toughest breast cancer to fight. On February 3, 2003 she went back into the hospital to have her left breast completely removed. What a horrible day that was, one that we will never forget. The worst was yet to come.......2 days later her doctor came into the hospital room and broke the news to us that out of 14 lypmnodes 11 of hers had cancer in them, and that it was in stage 3B. I really don't know where to go from here other than we have went through 10 chemo treatments of the Dreadful Red, which I might add that it damaged her heart. The bottom part of her heart where as it only pumps 40% of the blood out of the bottom of her heart and leaves 60% there. So now on top of everything she is on a blood thinner the rest of her life.

She is now going through 2 1/2 months of radiation, that we are just about done with. Her out look doesn't look good, but I call her every morning and every night just to hear her voice. She prays everyday when she opens her eyes that she has another day to be with us . More people need to be aware of this deadful diease. Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,

Sheri Shaw
West Lafayette, OH