I am 39 years old and was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December of 2008. I grew up knowing that my grandmother, 2 great aunts, my uncle and several cousins had died of cancer. The ladies all had breast cancer and my uncle had pancreatic cancer. Little did I know that the BRCA-1 gene mutation ran in my family. I didnt even know about the gene mutation until I was diagnosed and the liason that I was dealing with asked if there was a history of cancer in my family. After telling her my story she suggested I get tested. I received my results and sure enough I had the mutation. I then had to make the hardest decision of my life...mastectomy or lumpectomy. I chose the radical mastectomy, thank goodness, the .6 cm tumor that was diagnosed was actually surrounded by lots of smaller tumors. The total of the tumors was 1.8 cm. I thank my OB/GYN for starting my mammograms at 35 not 40 because of my family history. If I had waited until 40 to start my mammograms, I might not be here....
I take my last Chemo treatment on Friday, June 19, 2009.
I am a 1st generation Survivor!!!
Sandie Anglin
Edgemoor, SC