Meet Cristin | Ms. August 2012 | Diagnosed at 32 (2008)
When I reflect back on my experience with breast cancer, I can’t help but think of the song “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty. When it comes to treatment options “there ain’t no easy way out.” The hardest part is weighing all the pros and cons of each and making the decision that is right for you and your body. When it comes down to it, they are all a gamble. Some options carry less risk than others, but when you think about it, nothing is foolproof. I will live knowing there is always a possibility that the cancer will come back, no matter which option I chose many years ago. But I had to believe that “I know what’s right” when it comes to my health and wellbeing. Of course, I had many people to advise me like my fabulous doctors, supportive friends, and loving family. Only I could make the final decision about my course of treatment and at the end of the day, I “stood my ground” and chose a lumpectomy and radiation. Everyone’s journey is different, and I consider myself very lucky that my gamble paid off. Fourteen years later, I have two sons, ages 13 and 10, an awesome husband, and a great job. I love playing tennis, going to dinner with friends, and reading interesting books. “I got just one life” and I need to make the most of it. One of the things I learned from the experience of breast cancer is that I am strong, and when more challenges are thrown at me, “I won’t back down.”
I WON’T BACK DOWN By Tom Petty
Well, I won't back down
No I won't back down
You could stand me up at the gates of Hell
But I won't back down
No I'll stand my ground
Won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down
Well, I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I won't back down
Hey baby
There ain't no easy way out (I won't back down)
Hey I will stand my ground (I won't back down)
And I won't back down (I won't back down)
No I won't back down