1979 my mother died from Breast Cancer. All my life lived with memories of her declining health until she left us. No pink ribbons back then, no support groups. No one even talked about "Cancer" of any kind back then. 2011 I noticed a dimple in armpit area. I remembered reading that is a sign of Cancer, BUT decided I didn't want to know. I didn't want to go through what Mom did. No, I thought, I am not going to endure chemo, lose my hair. I was afraid so I went into denial. Fast forward December 2012, I felt strange pains and a lump in that same area. Now I was really scared. But yet I still ducked my head in the sand and soldiered on. It took serious pain and realization fear of death was stronger than fear of Cancer treatment. In September 2013 I finally had it checked out, on my birthday no less. Well the gift received was an eventual diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma, on Oct 4th 2013 followed by the words from the specialist "This is treatable! We CAN fix this!" This was same week my mother was born and died. I felt her with me as the doctor told me all the things I had to now do, and in a hurry. I had chemo, double mastectomy, radiation. It wasn't easy BUT it was also not the horror story I had concocted in my head. It was scary yet hopeful. I went from fearful to fighter determined to get Cancer out no matter what it took. I was lucky. I almost waited too long. Early detection saves lives. Fear could have cost mine. Now my future's so bright I have to wear shades! Don't let fear of treatment keep you from a future!

Susan Brown
Lake Mary, FL