I was 29 years old. Casually having conversation when I had a dull pain just above my right breast. I reached up to rub out the pain. I then felt the lump. 2 days later I am in my OB/GYN's office. He wanted to make sure it wasn't swollen breast tissue, so off I went - told to come back in 2 weeks if it hadn't gone away. Upon my return, he wasted no time. Immediate referral to a general surgeon, who wouldn't even see me unless I had a mammogram first. Because it was so high on the breast, the mammogram was inconclusive. The next day I had an ultrasound. Once my surgeon received the results of the ultrasound, he told me that the tests showed that the mass needed to be removed. Had a scheduled lumpectomy and a week later got the C diagnosis. I chose to have a mastectomy when they went in to get the lymph nodes. Then came 4 cycles of AC, the loss of all my precious hair and feeling crappy for 2 months on and off. 6 months after treatment I decided to remove the healthy breast and begin reconstruction. Unfortunately the skin grafts used for the areola for the nipple reconstruction didn't take and I wasn't satisfied at how they appeared. I enjoy tattoos and body art in general so I designed a piece that would cover every scar I had. I found an amazing tattoo artist named KELLY McRAE of SKIN DIMENSIONS in Winnipeg. I presented him with my idea and said - "Sure, when do you want to start?" He brought my drawing to life and gave me my confidence back. It's been 8 years NED now, and looking forward to many more! I am proof early detection is key!

Aimee Horbul
Winnipeg, Canada