I was only 16 when I found a lump in the R breast. It was golf ball sized and could move around a little. I went to my family doctor; she didn't seem worried about it. She ordered a ultrasound. I went, I saw the images, the mass was very dark on the screen. I had a gut wrenching feeling; I knew it was, in fact a tumor. It was a tumor, it also had to be removed because of the size and be tested for cancer of course. I thought I was going to be sick. I had surgery my junior year in high school. The surgery went well they made an in scion along the bottom of my nipple, so I wouldn't scar. The doctors said no cancer, also now have a higher chance of having more tumors and a higher chance of having breast cancer. Also, when a tumor is removed the empty space fills up with fluid. My tumor was so big there was so much fluid my body couldn't take care of it by itself, and never put a drain tube in it. The fluid up ripped through my stiches and burned through my skin. I thought it was infected. I went to the surgeon who performed the operation. She then ripped out the rest of stiches without even numbing me. I had to walk around with a hole in my breast so it drained into gauze. It healed after that, but now I have nasty scar and the tissue under my nipple is discolored. I feel ugly. I feel for all breast cancer victims and survivors. I always donate every chance I can, and buy pink for the cure clothing and scrubs. It's changed my life, and I'm always in fear of getting cancer.

Carrie Murchison
Old Town, ME