In 2006 my best friend was diagnosed with stage 1 malignant breast cancer.
She had a double mastectomy, just to be safe. After her diagnosis, I had a mammogram and sonogram myself. I was diagnosed with late stage 3 malignant breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy and they removed 21 lymph nodes. I wanted a mastectomy, but my surgeon told me that, in my case,
it was not necessary. I worried about this, but accepted his opinion. I had wonderful doctors, who kept telling me that this could be conquered. I doubted it, but I did my best in following their advice. Well, its been 2 1/2 years since my diagnosis. I am still cancer free. I love each second of each day. I still have monthly doctor visits as well as cts, mris, etc. I will be ever vigilant. But I am alive! I am here! To all those ladies who are just getting their diagnosis, or who are just beginning this journey, I just want to say: its long, its hard, but it will not only save your life, but change your life. And, no matter how bad it looks, miracles are happening each and every day. Fight, and fight hard. Its not over til its over! Surround yourself with family and friends, with love, hope and prayers, and live! When hope is all that you have, you have everything.
God Bless,
Peggy Kelley
Odessa, TX