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A Complete Surprise....

In October of 2008, I was at the doctor for my annual pap exam and the doctor asked about family history of breast cancer. My maternal Aunt was diagnosed at 36, but after an up and down battle with breast cancer, she pasted away at 42. Due to the story, my doctor decided to order a mammogram for a base line since I was 36, but things should be fine. A week later, I had the digital mammogram and thought all was well. Three days later, a nurse called to have me come back for more images. I would have a digital diagnostic mammogram and stay for immediate results from the doctor. After 10 minutes, the doctor called me to another room to inform me that they have decided to send me for a biopsy. The two radiologist saw some calcifications which are suggestive of breast cancer. I was shocked. My life had changed in just 10 minutes.

My first sterotactic biopsy was done and in a week it was confirmed, I had stage 0 Breast cancer. Really good prognosis, but still breast cancer - I was still in shock, but keeping it together. Further testing showed possibly more cancer, another biopsy, but luckily, that was benign. I would only need a lumpectomy followed by 5 weeks of radiation.

I have thanked my doctor sincerely for taking the time to listen and ordering that mammogram. Had I waited until I was 40 years old to have that done, the doctors said that my prognosis would have been worse.

I think of my Aunt, her courage and strength, to have gone through so much, but I know that she helped me today.

Angie DeBoo
Wheaton, IL

Self-exams important

Three months after being told my mammogram was fine, I found a lump doing a breast self-examination.
I tried to ignore it, but when "Breast Cancer Awareness" month came that year I made the appointment, and ultimately found out I had a very aggressive type of cancer.
That was in 2000 and I'm happy to report that between surgery, radiation and chemo I am cancer free.
Those four words became my mantra and I still repeat them whenever fear hits.
So please do your exams, if you find something get it checked out and if you do get diagnosed, think positive.

And pray for a cure!

Anonymous
Battle Creek, MI

So Young To Be Taken So Soon

I have a close friend at work who lost his daughter to breast cancer. She had just recently married and was making plans to start her new life when she recieved the terrible news that she had cancer.

Her family, friends, and especially her father, were devastated, and all were left wondering how this could happen to someone so young and vibrant. She was just beginning her new life as a wife with the hope in her heart of becoming a mom, but this was not hand she had been dealt. Shannon would have been a wonderful mother. She fought a valiant fight but unfortunately, one that was lost.

She was the apple of her father's eye and he (as well as everyone else) was left wondering . . . why? There were no answers, only that God seemed to have another plan for his little girl, Shannon. What could that plan possibly be? We may never know, but we can try to find some solace in knowing that God took this very young woman because she was part of a much bigger plan.

Shannon touched many lives in her far too short life. I know that she was an inspiration to many. Her smile could light up a room. She amazed us all with her inner strength.

Because of Shannon, I hope that others will realize just how important mammograms really are and that early detection is so very important. Shannon, without a doubt, has left her imprint here with us, and maybe because of this, she will help to save many, many lives.

I can't help but wonder if this was part of his bigger plan.

Marcia
Littleton, NH

Surviving breast cancer

Hi, I am Mary Anne Cook,
On September 16 of 2003 I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. I had a left mastectomy on the 29 of September 2003 and have survived. Thank God I had my yearly mammogram and it was caught early. The support from my 3 daughters, Granddaughters, Sister, Aunt and nieces has helped me greatly.
I encourage everyone to get that mammogram. It could save your life. I survived, my sister in law didn't. Remember no one has to die from breast cancer it is Curable.
My sister in law died from breast cancer in June 2000. She left behind 5 children the youngest being 13 years old, and 3 grandchildren. She has 5 more grandchildren born after her death. They will never know their grandmother. She didn't have to die from breast cancer. If she had just had the surgery when they found it she might still be alive today enjoying all 8 of her grandchildren.
Don't delay, get that mammogram today or as soon as you can.

Mary Anne Cook
Frankfort, IN

Never go againt your feelings

I was doing my monthy breast check when I discovered a small lump next to my rib cage. My mom had a radical mastectomy at 38. I was 42. I placed a call to my doctor she could not feel anything. I was so sure there was something there she sent me for a mamogram. Nothing showed up on the mamo. I insisted we go the next step. I was sent for an ultrasoud. Again, the test showed nothing. Next step was to have a biopsy. I went to see the surgon, she has learned to trust her clients know their bodies. On November 11, 1999 the area I indicated was removed. When she called with the results, she had tears in her voice and said to me " I can't believe I am telling you this, but you were right. we found cancer." I was not surprised. I returned for a lumpectomy and was given temoxiphen with no cemo or radiation. They felt due to the size of the cancer and the fact that I was only 42 I was better off not doing any additional treatment. I am now going on my ten year anniversary and am so grateful that I stuck to my guns and insisted in removing the lump. Had I not, who knows. It is quite possible I would not have been here to share in walking our daughter down the isle and any other wonderful things God has in store for me and my loved ones. No matter what, trust your gut and don't take no for an answer if you feel there is something that needs to be addressed concerning your health don't stop until you are satified of the results.
Angel Blessings to you all.

Anonymous
Beverly, MA

my mom

My mom was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma in 06 right after my son's first birthday.After 6 grueling months of surgery, chemo, and radiation, she came through, with great results.We take each day at a time, and i am so grateful that she is still here with us.She was one of the lucky ones.

kristin
winnipeg, Canada

My nina

my nina was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in december of 2008. The first thing i asked is why her? she had helped people so much my grandparents, my great grandmother and she was the only one who could keep her nieces and nephews diciplined. In november we were very close too losing her but my nina is a strong women and she wasnt going to let it get her down she was going to keep fighting. On the day before easter of this year we lost her. On the way up to her funeral i saw a rainbow.The brightest or biggest i have ever seen! Thats when i knew she was at peace she is better! :) One thing i know is that as soon as i can im getting a mammogram!
I love your nina!
Love Bri

Anonymous
Las Cruces, NM

DCIS

I was diagnosed with DCIS, Ductal Carcanoma in Situ in 2008 the ONLY way it was found was with a mammogram, THE ONLY WAY There are no lumps or other symptoms.......... I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment.....I am fine. MAMMOGRAMS SAVE LIVES!!! This could have become malignant over time.............

Sheila
Columbia, TN

My Mother, My Friend, My Hero, My Angel

I lost my mother to breast cancer on November 6, 2008 just 1 day after my daughter Ally was born. I miss my mom everyday I wish she was here. I know in my heart she is watching over us everyday

Sara
Maryville, TN

That which does not kill you......

I am a 43, widowed with 3 boys.. I've always gone in for regular check ups, but twice now I have had cancer, and twice they have failed me. I have read some of the stories on here and it is amazing what the doctors miss! I had st 3 cervical cancer 3 yrs ago, went through radiation and chemo. I am still fighting side effects from that. Last Aug I had a mammogram and ultrasound done on a lump I had found in my left breast 6 years ago. It was cancer, even though for years they had said it was fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer didn't hurt! This time, I had the surgery, chemo and am getting reconstruction lined up. I have vowed to be a voice in all of this. You can't go by what the doctor tells you. You know your body better than anyone. You have the right, and the obligation to your family and yourself, to speak up until you are heard. Don't take no for an answer. If you don't like what you hear, there are plenty of doctors out there willing to listen. No one will stand up for you if you don't stand yourself. Life is too precious to throw away on someone elses opinion. Things like needle biopsies, MRI, PET scans, all of these are fantastic diagnostic tools that are out there. Don't ever just sit back and say, oh, the doc says its ok when they only do a pap or a mammogram or ultrasound. Insist, loudly if you have to, that more testing be done!

I will beat this again. I am strong. I have my faith. I have my family. And I will never sit silently in a doctors office again!

Laurie
Jackson, MI