By BARB BOGOLIN

I live in Hermitage, Pa. but all of my cancer treatment was done at the Hope Center in Howland. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2014. After my mastectomy, my oncologist, Dr. Lori Hemrock, had me do a cancer family tree. Due to the extensive history of cancer on my paternal side — different types — I was referred to genetic testing. The testing found that I had a PTEN genetic mutation.

That meant there was a high risk for a second breast cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer and kidney cancer. I had a number of surgeries and follow up tests. One of the tests showed a tumor on my kidney, which was removed.

Genetic testing saved my life because I met no risk factors for that cancer and there are / were no easy tests to check. I know of cancer survivors that don’t want genetic testing because they are afraid of the answer. I am submitting my name to encourage anyone with a history of cancer to have the testing. Much of it can be treated today if it is caught early.

By ANDREA PORINCHAK

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer in September 2024. I just recently completed all of my active treatment — chemo, surgery, radiation and immunotherapy — a full year later.

When I was diagnosed, I was seven months postpartum with my third child, had zero health issues and had just turned 38.

I had never had a mammogram as I wasn’t 40 yet! I had found a painful lump on my own, which felt like it appeared overnight, so I immediately got into my OBGYN.

I came to learn that triple-negative breast cancer is very aggressive and fast growing, affecting mostly younger women, minorities and those with genetic mutations. I do have a family history of breast cancer but do not carry the BRCA genes. So there’s no clear answer as to why I got cancer.

I was diagnosed and, two weeks later, started chemo. It was terrifying to say the least. I have an amazing husband and family / friends who stepped up to help with housework and the kids.

My older two were 7 and 5 at the time I was diagnosed. It was very hard emotionally, thinking of my kids through this process. I’m now cancer free and working hard to regrow some hair and live my life to the fullest.

By DENISE ARLENE

Feb. 15, 2015, is a day I will never forget. I didn’t believe in screenings. I agreed to go so my friend would leave me alone.

I went to the Joanie (Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center), and it was confirmed. I couldn’t believe it — HR-positive, HER2-negative, which meant it was the type that keeps coming back.

I got a port and very aggressive treatment. My friend shaved my long hair off.

I also am bipolar which meant I was going up and down in emotions. I was so angry and I let people know it too. I am very sorry for that.

Only one sister, Darla, my brother, D.P., and Carol — that was my support group. I was given courage, strength and hope.

Do your homework, find out everything you can — I didn’t.

I remember lying in bed, looking at myself, crying.

At first, I had a lumpectomy — half a boob was removed. I was advised both and I said, “No.”

Between tests, pills and sickness, I had an attitude. You go through so many emotions. Finally, my doctor and I parted ways. I didn’t like him at all.

So time went on. I started feeling a little better, accepting my fate, and I got a female doctor! She was beautiful. She told me straight: lose the breasts and female equipment. She was so gentle and kind.

I got another fantastic doctor. His name was Dr. Cash. He performed the surgery; she did the equipment removal. He handled me with tenderness and understanding. He was fantastic.

I was determined to make a comeback.

To say it was easy would be a lie. My brother screamed at me, “Fight.” Darla gave me quiet tenderness. Carol gave me love. So many others stepped forward and gave me time to heal.

I can’t say enough about D.P. He really and truly believed in me even when I lost hope. I went from fear to courage. I may have breast cancer, but it doesn’t have me!!

I remember when my hair started to grow back. I stood in the rain and looked up. Awesome.

Because of the clinics at St. E’s, St. Joe’s and the Hope Center, I am alive.

I got things to do, amends to make. I also have hope.

To any that are struggling, you’re normal. Don’t give up. Like D.P. says, “Fight.”

By LINDA KRIEGER

Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive breast cancer from a mammogram. I had noticed the lump because it was painful, went to my gynecologist who felt it was nothing, and then decided to change doctors. What was unexpected was the news that it had been missed on my mammogram nine months prior. It was too late to go back, so I had to move forward.

My mother and her sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer, so I always felt that it was a very real possibility. I had even gone to several doctors asking for prophylactic mastectomies, but was denied. At this point, five out of six women in my family have been diagnosed, but the BRCA gene testing has come up negative.

I wanted a mastectomy, but because I was high risk due to my low platelets, my surgeon would only do a lumpectomy.

My margins weren’t clear, so I then changed doctors and hospital systems, and found a surgeon who would perform a mastectomy.

I was not able to have chemo because I have low platelets and was told my cancer was treatable, not curable. Well, I made it to my 10th year as a survivor.

While meeting with my oncologist , at the exact moment she was delivering the good news that I was being transferred to the BC survivorship program, I got a call from dermatology to tell me I had been diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive melanoma! Oddly, I had a second melanoma on the same arm.

The news rocked my world, but I wasn’t going to give up. My mother had survived pancreatic cancer (after being given three to four months to live), breast cancer, colon cancer and nonsmall cell lung cancer. She gave me hope.

I researched all options. My first grandchild is due at the beginning of November, and I want our baby to know me!

By ANDREA BOSNJAK

I am writing to honor Alyssa Armeni, a woman whose strength and determination shine through her journey with breast cancer. During treatment, Alyssa chose to use cold capping — a process that involves wearing a specialized cold cap before, during and after chemotherapy to reduce hair loss by constricting the scalp’s blood vessels. For Alyssa, cold capping was a success, allowing her to preserve her hair and maintain a sense of normalcy throughout an incredibly difficult time.

Thanks to a grant, the Mercy Foundation was able to cover the cost of the capping. Alyssa continues to advocate, hoping that all women facing cancer are given this same opportunity.

A cancer diagnosis is already overwhelming, and for many women, the loss of hair becomes a painful daily reminder every time they look in the mirror. Alyssa’s story is a powerful example of resilience, hope and the importance of supporting one another through life’s hardest battles.

It would be an honor to highlight Alyssa’s journey in the newspaper during Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October — not only to celebrate her strength but also to spread awareness so that other women can learn about cold capping and inquire about this life-changing option.