At 31 I never thought of breast cancer, my mother had died from lung cancer (nonsmoker) and there was no other history. But during my annual check up the nurse felt a lump. I was shocked that I hadnt noticed it myself it was obvious. Well it was cancer and it had spread to my lymph nodes. A lumpectomy, 8 cycles of chemo and 6 weeks radiation, 5 yrs tamoxifen and now Femara. This year they decided to do genetic testing. I was positive. My mother had been adopted so I never considered the unknown family. My sister has since also tested positive and I am waiting for the other to take the test. Now I have had my ovaries out and a full hysterectomy and am waiting for the bilateral masectomy surgery date.
During this I have continued to work and live my life, I missed one day of work during chemo because of pnemonia. What helped me is that I did not dwell on the fact that I had cancer, but was grateful that I was alive and had such great doctors. I did not let cancer have me, stay positive and strong and fight.
I am thankful for everyday I have with my family and would not change a single thing in my life.
Santa Clarita, CA
