Breast cancer survivor

Catherine Mylinh (KSEE 24 News, Fresno, CA) reports on one woman's journey of hope.

March 22, 2007
by Catherine Mylinh

On the heels of John Edwards' announcement that his wife, Elizabeth, has suffered a recurrence, cancer survivors across the nation share the Edwards' angst. One Fresno woman knows exactly what the family is going through.

Seven years ago, Carmenchristina Moreno was flipping through the channels when she happened to see Stefani Booroojian's "Buddy Check" reminder. She decided right then to make a doctor's appointment. It was a decision that saved her life.

We find her on this Thursday afternoon, strumming her guitar.

"Tough luck, hard blow... any way they name it, I was laid low," she sings.

But things are looking up for Moreno, 67. The breast cancer survivor has been in remission for six years. In Aug. 1999, she went in for a mammogram. "I had no idea it was there. Breast cancer doesn't hurt. you have to be diligent," she says.

It was a doctor's visit that was prompted by KSEE 24's "Buddy Check." Every month, KSEE 24 News anchor Stefani Boorijian reminds women to perform self-examinations.

"I'd be dead if I'd waited. It was almost undetectable," Moreno insists.

Moreno underwent eight months of chemotherapy. Today, she's in good health but that medical battle is constantly a dark cloud.

"You have no idea. It's a death sentence. Last year I had a scare."

So her heart sank when she learned of John Edwards' announcement. The democratic presidential candidate says his wife has suffered a recurrence. Elizabeth Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004.

"Her cancer is back. It is largely confined in bone, which is a good thing," Edwards said Thursday morning. He says physicians say the cancer is no longer curable, but it is completely treatable.

"I do not expect my life to be significantly different," adds Mrs. Edwards.

The Edwards shared the news in the garden of the Chapel Hill, NC hotel where the couple held their wedding reception 30 years ago.

If there's a silver lining to the grim announcement, Moreno says it's breast cancer awareness. She hopes this will prompt more "Buddy Check" programs across the nation.

"Thank God Stefani continued the program. As I was helped, I know other women were helped," the cancer survivor says.

She has penned a song for breast cancer victims and survivors. One of the lines of "With Amor" goes

"Up, up my love. Don't discourage. You're not walking alone," Moreno croons.

"With Amor" was chosen by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation as a theme song for one of its sponsored event.

And for Moreno, what's the best part of this healing process? Singing to her heart's content.

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[57silverhawk]

Thank goodness Carmencristina has survived and continues to share her beautiful music with the world.