Third chance at really Living

Hi. I’m Denise Rea, 40 years young. I was born, raised, and currently reside in Ventura. In 1999 at 24, I found a lump on my neck and was diagnosed with metastatic thyroid carcinoma.

Since my initial diagnosis, I’ve had two reoccurrences. Another when I was 30, and 33. I’ve had two rounds of radiation treatments and two neck dissections removing 30+ lymph nodes. In between my last two treatments I proceeded to beat the odds and have two wonderful daughters. Can’t express how much surviving means now being a mother.

After hearing the word “cancer” I gradually started changing my life. Mostly for the better but some ugliness has occurred as well. The cliche mantra of “living” is real. And cancer survivors do everything they can to follow this through regardless of others opinions. Also my profession is in medicine. I help diagnose, fight and treat cancers on a daily basis. Breaks my heart to see others suffer but I feel my sickness relates and aids in treating patients. I could go on forever, but am proud to say I love, live loudly. I am grateful to be alive. And am cancer free for 7 years. I look forward to raising my children, and their children. Because I believe fully I’m beating this disease. There’s no other way to think. Thanks for reading

Denise.