The first time I felt the lump in my breast I didn't think anything of it, though there is a history of breast cancer in the family. My mother has had breast cancer twice in the last 12 years, her mother and grandmother also had breast cancer. When I finally broke down and went to the doctor for my lump....wow! My doctor had me scheduled for a mammogram the same day and by the end of the day I knew my lump was something more serious than I had ever let myself believe.
I am very proud that I didn't freak out, not until the day I got to meet the team of doctors who would be treating me. Remember I watched my mother go through this twice, so I was a little arrogant, I knew what to expect. In hindsight, I was ignorant thinking I had the same type of cancer as my mother and would be taking the same steps as her. My cancer was more aggressive and more advanced than hers had ever been. I am lucky I got compassionate doctors; my surgeon is a breast cancer survivor. But it doesn't matter how compassionate the doctors are or how prepared you think your are, you don't hear anything else but the word mastectomy. Thank God I had a sister go with me, though she was in shock like me, she did a great job at being my ears.
I finished treatment in April 2009. I look different, I feel different. I know I am not the same person I was a year ago but I am alive. The advancements in breast cancer treatment and God's love have saved me and with a little luck I will be cancer free for years to come.
Fresno, CA