I was diagnosed with breast cancer June, 2003. It was 6 months after moving to Florida. I had a mastectomy July 10, 2003, one of those dates that you never forget. My cancer wasn't advanced but I chose to have the surgery so that I wouldn't have to wonder, and worry if the cancer was returning. The surgery gave me peace of mind.
A year prior to this I found a lump in my breast. My gynecologist at the time recommended "watching it", she felt it was "just a cyst". She marked on my chart where the lump was. The exact place a surgeon removed the cancer.
It's so important, if you're not sure get a second opinion. I didn't, and I regret that.
My husband was a wonderful caregiver throughout everything. We've been married a long time, currently 48 years. We decided against reconstruction so that I wouldn't have to go through additional pain. A good choice for us.
Today I'm 67 years old and happy with the decisions that were made 10 years ago. I go for my yearly mammogram on my remaining breast, and I don't worry about the results. We handle things as they come, as we have in the past. A very strong relationship with my husband helped me through so much in my life, I thank him for always being there with me.
Colorado Springs, CO
