I was 47 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had a small dimple and a few twinges of pain in my left breast but did not know enough to realize what it could be so I chose to ignore it. During my routine annual exam - which I cancelled & rebooked several times as again, I didn't think it was that important - the nurse practitioner found a small lump coinciding with the dimple. Immediately I knew I had breast cancer, she didn't have to say a word and if it wasn't for this simple exam, I may have waited until it was too late...
After a mastectomy, 6 months of chemo, hair loss (which turned into an amazing opportunity to enjoy different wig hairstyles), plus 5 1/2 weeks of radiation and reconstructive surgery - I've lost some weight (bonus!) and although it was a helluva way to get a new boob job, I'm so happy to be where I'm at today. I didn't think I'd have the courage nor strength to get through this but I am a survivor.
Genelle, Canada
