I was 40 years old and my gyn said it was time for me to get my first mammogram. I expected it to be very routine. I had NO lumps and no family history. Of course I would have a clear mammogram or so I thought. It was July 7, 2014 when I had my first mammogram. It was followed up with another mammogram, an ultrasound, and biopsy. On July 11th, I got the call. I had breast cancer- invasive ductal carcinoma. My precious husband was sitting next to me holding my hand as we had the call on speaker phone. As tears streamed down my face, I was so scared. I was a wife and a mother of two wonderful boys. I knew I had to fight this battle. As I met with my oncologist and surgeon, I was told I had a 1 cm of invasive cancer and many precancerous cells. Well, I saw my mammogram and I knew there was only one option for me. I chose to have a double mastectomy. I did not want to fight this battle again. I had my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on August 5, 2014. A couple of days later I was told that I had a lot more cancer than what they thought. I had four tumors- an 8 cm, 6 cm, 4 cm, and a 2 cm in the right breast and precancerous cells in the left. God had given me a peace from the beginning with my decision for a double mastectomy. Now I knew why. I was blessed that it had not spread to my lymph nodes and the doctors felt like everything was contained. I am currently taking chemo (16 rounds) and have two more treatments left. It will be followed up with 30 rounds of radiation.I can not express the importance of getting a mammogram. I am fighting the hardest battle of my life, but I am a "Pink Warrior"! I shall overcome! Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Chrissy Kelly
Quitman, MS