I am a 46 year old women with 3 wonderful kids. I never went for my mammograms as directed by my doctor. Breast cancer does not run in my family, so I felt is wasn't neccessary. In October 2009 I lost my job due to the economy. I was completlely devastated to loose a job that I loved. In Novermber 2009, 2 days before Thanksgiving I found a lump on my breast. My first thought was it will go away. I don't have any family history of breast cancer, so I was not to worry. However, I did find myself checking the area throughtout the next few days. The day after Thanksgiving, while sitting with a friend, I told him about the lump and that I had scheduled an appointment the following Monday. My gynecologist sent me to a surgeon right away. A biopsy was done and my diagnosis was positive for invasive ductle carncinoma. My family and friends rallied around me and offered me love and support. I vowed that I would not let this cancer make me sick or prevent me from finding a job and living each day. I will have my 4th round of chemo this week and some days are better than others. I encourage women to get their mammograms no matter what. I wish I would have.

Tracy
Westminster, MD