In July 2007, I found a lump in my breast while taking a shower. After looking online and talking with my mother, I went to see me gynecologist, she sent me for an ultrasound, which showed nothing, the doctor actually said there was no way I could have breast cancer because I was 19 and had no family history.
I was a little worried, I had an inverted nippled, and I read that non-cancerous breast lumps would come and go with my menstrual cycle, but mine stayed. Over the next few months, I saw my gynecologist, each time being sent for an ultrasound, and each time the doctor saying that I couldn't have breast cancer. My gynecologist suggested that I see a breast surgeon to discuss having the lump removed. In December 2007 I saw a breast surgeon who also said there was no way that I could have breast cancer but he would take out the lump to make me “feel more comfortable.”
I had my surgery on Feb 1. On Feb 5, during my last class I received a call from my gynecologist. She left a message saying they needed to talk about her biopsy results. It was really weird though. I remember smiling, not because I was happy, but because I felt justified. For 7 months no one listened to me. Finally I heard the words I always expected. "You have breast cancer." I was diagnosed with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma. I went through 4 rounds of chemo, 33 rounds of radiation, and 5 years of hormonal therapy.
I am now almost 26 and almost a 6 year cancer survivor! After my diagnosis, I felt a new commitment: building public awareness about young women and breast cancer by speaking to college classes, at community events and in the media. I want to let people know that breast cancer doesn't discriminate. If my story can save a person's life, I know that my job is complete. Because of my persistence and being my own advocate, my doctors told me that I saved my own life.
Indianapolis, IN
