I was recently diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After my lumpectomy, I was advanced to Stage 2. I am currently receiving radiation treatment every day for 6 1/2 weeks to be followed by 5 years of hormone therapy. I don't need chemo. To think - I almost skipped my annual mammogram this year because I thought I was fine. Mammograms are uncomfortable, but this was the first one that ever hurt and only on my right breast. I was called in for a second mammogram and an ultrasound because of a suspicious mass in my right breast. Next step a needle core biopsy. When I received the cancer diagnosis, I cried then I went into denial. I still find it hard to believe that I had cancer. Please don't ever skip your mammogram! Thank you to all who keep me positive every day and to a wonderful medical team. A special thank you to my daughter Kim who is by my side through all this. I will beat this! I will survive! And I will never skip my annual mammogram --- ever!
Joan HaughnAloha, OR