Liz Fonville

My name is Liz Fonville and I am a survivor!  In September 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after my second routine mammogram.  The day the doctor had given me my diagnosis, my world changed forever.  They found four masses in my right breast.  As a wife of 23 years, mom of two handsome teenage boys and otherwise healthy - I was unprepared to cope with the reality of what was to come.  My husband, Terry, was with me when the doctor told us of his discovery.  My husband was fully aware of what we were facing because his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer just two years prior to my diagnosis.  His family has a long history of breast cancer and he has lost five family members to breast cancer.  My grandmother, Clotilde Castena, was also a breast cancer survivor.  Terry wasn't prepared to deal with it again, especially in his own home.

I opted for a mastectomy of my right breast because I was not comfortable with a lumpectomy.  I wanted to make sure that all the cancer was removed.  I was thankful the cancer was not found in my lymph nodes. 

A month after my surgery, I started chemotherapy.  From December 2008 to March 2009, I underwent 8 rounds of chemotherapy to eradicate the cancer.  With my baby sister as my advocate throughout the chemotherapy as well as the prayers and support of my family, close friends and fellow church members, I was blessed with not having to face this alone.

I heard about Michelle's Place through a friend.  On my first visit, my concern was for a way to cover my hair loss.  The staff was very friendly, caring, understanding, and very comforting.  They provided me with information about several resources to find a wig.  I am thankful for Michelle's Place.  They have a vast network of resources to help cancer patients with their varied needs.  They have continued to be supportive of me by calling me and following up on my progress.  I've always looked forward to their phone call because it's important and comforting to be able to speak with someone who really understands what I have gone through.

After attending a Survivor's Brunch where I was able to talk with other cancer survivors, I was told about Relay for Life and I knew that I wanted to become involved in an event that would help survivors as well as a way to increase awareness of all cancer and help raise funds for research to find a cure.  In May, I will be attending my second Relay for Life.

Breast cancer changed my perspective on life.  I see the world in a different way.  I appreciate those around me and I tell my loved ones ho much they mean to me.  I am focused on the positive things in life and I manage the negative in a different context.  I am now a stronger person because of this experience, my faith was strengthened and I believe I am here because God has a purpose form life.  I truly believe we are not here only for ourselves but to help each other.

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