I was 37 when I noticed a small drop of blood coming out of my nipple upon self examination and then discovered a lump in my right breast. The mammography revealed a spiculated mass and the biopsy confirmed that I had borderline stage two intraductal carcinoma. The doctor tried to reassure me that 9 out 10 lumps are benign. I guess I was number 10. I underwent a modified radical mastectomy and had a tram-flap reconstruction. All of my nodes were clean, but I still went through six months of chemotherapy. I did not lose my hair but did develop lymphedema in my arm three months after the surgery and went into early menopause from the chemo. I am now cancer-free 17 years.

Sharon
Bay Shore, NY