Rose Ciardiello was 38 years old when she was first diagnosed with Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer), in December of 2003. At the time, she had just finished weaning her youngest son from nursing. During a post natal visit with her OB/GYN, her doctor found a lump in her right breast. A mammogram and U/S showed spicules and it was determined that the mass was highly suspicious of a malignancy. Within one week and a second opinion, a lumpectomy to remove the mass was performed. A diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma was confirmed. Margins were not clear. The cancer was estrogen/progesterone +, grade 3 (very aggressive). Rose then underwent a modified radical mastectomy on 12/29/03. It was learned that there were cancer cells and a tumor in a couple of lymph nodes (14 were removed). What followed next was dose-dense chemotherapy consisting of ACT (adriamycin, cytoxin and taxol). A visit to Memorial Sloan~Kettering in N.Y. convinced Rose that radiation therapy was also recommended. Once radiation Rx was completed, she was started on Tamoxifen. Although Rose does not have a family history of cancer, her doctor suggested genetic testing, due to being diagnosed at a young age (under 45). In January of '05, testing revealed she was not a carrier of the BRCA I or II gene. She underwent several reconstructive surgeries. In November '05, Rose had a routine mammogram of her left breast. She learned a second cancer had developed. A core needle biopsy showed this cancer to be negative for estrogen/progesterone, cancer cells were comedo with necrosis and there was micro-invasion to the breast tissue. The decision to undergo a second mastectomy came swiftly and Rose went into the hospital just before Thanksgiving. Additional reconstructive surgery followed. Currently, Rose is taking Arimidex and receives Lupron injections every 4 weeks. Her oncologist feels that the Tamoxifen is what jump started the second cancer. Since Arimidex, an aromatase inhibitor, can only be given to post menopausal women, her doctor has ordered Lupron to keep Rose in a chemical ovarian suppression. She has not completed her reconstruction at this point and is taking some time off to recover mentally before undergoing additional surgery.
Rose feels very strongly about helping other women who are going through with being diagnosed with breast cancer. "I'm a stay-at-home mom now. But, I'm an R.N. and worked for years in a hospital setting before my first child was born. I know how important it is to be nurturing and understanding of one's feelings when they are going through a difficult time. I like being there for women who are need of an objective ear, especially when they are first told of their diagnosis. It lets them know that there is someone that has survived this and is there to support them while they make their way through the initial crisis mode." Since her diagnosis, in the hopes of making the journey easier for other cancer survivors, she has become involved with two ground breaking projects. Rose is one of the founding members of The Wellness Community~Southern Connecticut. TWC is an international, non profit organization, dedicated to providing support, education and hope to people affected by cancer and their loved ones or caregivers. Funding is required to bring this wonderful organization to CT. In the past two years, Rose has been a successful fundraiser for TWC~SCT, raising about $100,000. With the help of others, she is hoping to see TWC open its doors to Southern Connecticut. A fellow breast cancer survivor contacted Rose about forming a support group for other young survivors. Both women felt that there was a need for this group and none existed in the area. In October 07, the first meeting took place at the home of Melissa Burns, the leader of the group, with 6 ladies in attendance. It was unlike any support group offered in the state and by April, there were 40 women involved. From this group came the inspiration for a film, Life After the Storm. This documentary will follow the lives of several young survivors, including Rose, showing the struggles they face when the medical treatment is over and they are expected to continue on with their lives again.
Rose lives in Guilford, CT with her husband, Peter and their three children, Kristen, Michael and Kevin.
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