I was diagnosed in March, 2010 with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. When I found out that the biopsy came back positive, I was devistated. I cried for about an hour and then went to work to find out what steps to take. On March 31, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. In April, I went through fertility treatments to harvest and freeze my eggs. I started chemotherapy shortly after that procedure. I will be continuing treatments through the first week in October. The week of my twin sister's wedding. I am a college student and I have continued to take courses throughout this process. There are times when I feel defeated but those times are out weighed by the good times that I am still able to have. My family and friends have been a huge part of this process and I don't know what I would do without them. I am bald and beautiful and proud of it. Nothing will stop me from achieving my goals in life. This is just a detour.

Janelle Smith
Oakland, NJ