I was in bed one day watching a morning show when a 28 year old woman found out that she had breast cancer during her pregnancy. I thought to myself, Oh, how horrible...by the way, let me check myself today. I was very diligent about checking myself every month. To my surprise I found a lump in my left breast. I thought, could this be right? I am only 35 years old? I got nervous and called my OB/GYN to no avail, they still weren't in. I had to wait until 10 am to get someone. When I was able to speak to someone they told me not to worry, it was probably nothing and wanted to give me an appointment for the next week. I insisted on being seen the same day. When I went in he did feel the lump, but told me not to worry because I was so young. He sent me to get an ultrasound done. It looked suspicious. He recommended a surgeon. They surgeon also assured me it was probably nothing. He removed the lump and it came back positive. It was 2.5 centimeters. I was stage II cancer with no lymph node involvement. This all took place in a matter of weeks, at my insistance. I had 8 sessions of chemo and 33 radiation treatments. To this day I am cancer free. It's two years now. Don't be afraid to be aggresive and insist on prompt attention. It's your life, take control. Thanks to my faith in God and the help of my family and friends I am a stronger woman today.

Evanguelia Galarza
Perth Amboy, NJ