What does it mean to be single with breast cancer no matter what age?

[Cindy Papale]

Hi everyone,

I have had four losses in my life.

1) The loss of my father one year after my marriage. I thank God he was able to walk his only baby girl down the wedding isle before he passed away from pancreatic cancer

2) The loss of my baby. Before I married I was with a gentleman who thought loved me unconditionally. I come to find out differently. I was three months pregnant when I miscarried our baby. I never will forget the loss of my baby (and to date never had another child)

3) The loss of both my breasts to breast cancer. First a left lumpectomy, followed by a left mastectomy, follwed by two months later, a right mastectomy.

4) And finally, my fourth loss, even though they say things come in three's, was my 20 year marriage. I found out that my now ex=husband had an emotional affair. I lost my home, my money, and most of all my respect and love for him.

I am now going to be 55 this coming July 6, and can honestly say it is very difficult to date after breast cancer. I know it is hard for the young, but at my age as well it is even harder. Luckily, the Lord was good to me and I look 20 years younger than my age. I call it genetics!

I am working on many projects, and helping so many others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. While I am surrounded by many friends and family, at night I still feel lonely. I work out four times a week, am active in the ACS Relay for Life, am writing another book, net working my current book The Empty Cup Runneth Over, www.theemptycuprunnethover.com, and also two other breast cancer projects.

I just want to say to other single women out there, that you are not alone. I know that God has plans for each and every one of us. Therefore, I stay as active as I can and I am always surrounded by friends.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my letter on this blog!

Cindy Papale/author/breast cancer survivor/Associate Producer
gmail: [e-mail]

[Viola Sumo]

Thank you so much for writing this, I've been feeling lonely myself. My boyfriend started dating someone else the month I started chemo I feel disappointed, hurt, and sad. After my chemo that's when all my emotions hit me. I just praise the Lord all of my treatments are done. I just finished radiation about 3 weeks ago. I'm a new survivor!!!!!!!