Teresa Moreno

From the moment I discovered the lump in May 2004, my life was never the same.  I felt the lump while sitting in bed.  I quickly sat up and was concerned.  I brought my husband's hand to my breast and had him feel what I had felt.  A mammogram and an ultrasound were performed.  Both screenings came out negative.

Fast forward to September 30, 2004, nearly 4 months after finding the lump my doctor delivered the news that would forever change my life..."You have BREAST CANCER."  Four simple words I never imagined I would hear at the age of 34.  As a mother of 3 young kids, I was devastated!

The immediate concern after my diagnosis was survival.  I was faced with so many fears and uncertainties. I really had to reach deep inside for strength.  I had the fight of my life ahead of me, I needed to fight not only for myself but for my family but the question was - How? I had no family history of breast cancer and I was scared.

I know the Watson family from my involvement with the Solar Car Team at Cal Poly Pomona.  Who knew that many years later I would need the Watson's and Michelle's Place to help me with my breast cancer journey?  Marilyn "Mom" Watson, founder of Michelle's Place, visited me at home.  She brought me many resources; we talked, she listened to my concerns and was so supportive.  She put me in touch with a young breast cancer survivor who would have such a great impact on my journey.  Candice Nagel gave me a call, she listened to my story and she shared hers.  Talking to her made me feel like I wasn't alone during my battle with breast cancer.  My family and friends were an incredible support system but actually talking to someone that had walked that path and could relate to my fears and understand my concerns made the difference.  Candi had been through it all and survived.  This fact alone gave me the strength and the courage to move ahead and feel that I too would be okay.

The day I was diagnosed seemed to last forever but little by little, through my faith and with the help and support of my family, my friends and Michelle's Place, the tears started to dry up and I was able to find my life again.  Through my scars, I am reminded to celebrate my everyday and I thank God for giving me a second chance at life.  I am a much stronger and better person now than I was prior to breast cancer.  I am a breast cancer survivor.  This is my life and I embrace it!

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