At 30 years old I felt the lump on my left breast. 2 1/2 months earlier I had been told after ultrasound that it was just a clogged milk duct, nothing to worry about. My daughter was 10 months old at the time and I had finished breastfeeding her a few months before that. My other children were 10 and 6 year old twins. After feeling the lump transform from a smooth almond shaped lump to an irregular large mass I knew this was no clogged duct. I returned to the doctor, was referred to a surgeon and was scheduled for lumpectomy. A week later came the lifechanging news...invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3, hormone +. It was a shock to the core of me. I couldnt breathe for what seemed to be forever. I was falling apart inside as I stared at the surgeon read my pathology report. There really are no words to describe the emotions unless you've been through it. 5 years before my own diagnosis my mother lost her battle with breast cancer. She was only 55 years old. I was flooded with worry that it had come to steal my life as well. The next few weeks were a blur of office visits, scans, blood work, and surgery. Although there was cancer in my lymph nodes it had not spread to the rest of my body. Thank you God!! 6 months of chemo, then 35 rounds of radiation. Almost exactly a year after the diagnosis I am extremely proud to say I am cancer free!! I am finally at the point in my journey where cancer is not the first thing on my mind when I wake up and the last thing on my mind when I go to sleep. PLEASE never give up hope. Hold Gods hand that is always extended out for you through this journey and have faith that you will not only live but live a wonderful life!

Angie Martinez
Gonzales, TX