I found my lump by self-exam. It so scary to me, but I forced myself to have it checked out. It was the size of a pea. I had a biopsy which confirmed it was cancer. (I have always been very afraid of hospitals, shots, and so on.)
The surgeon told me I could have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and I decided on a mastectomy. I had surgery 4 weeks after finding the lump and the cancer had spread through the entire breast and all but one lymphnode. I was very glad I took control by having a mastectomy.
I also took control of my chemo by shaving my head before starting. My husband shaved his head in support. I also had radiation to make certain no cancer was left. I worked the entire time of my treatment. I am now one year cancer free!
If I were to change anything about my hic-cup in life, I would not have had a biopsy.
Kerrie
Anaconda, MT