How I found out I had breast cancer is by knowing how my breast feels. I was 36 when I found out I had cancer. When I went camping it was a cool morning. My hands got cold so I put them under my arm pits. That is when I found something hard and was not normal. Went to the doctor that Monday morning the next day went in for surgery found out it was cancer. I was told that the tumor was old and had it for years and didn't know it. I went to have physicals every year religiously. The OB doctor didn't find it. But I was the one who did. I went through chemo and radiation. How I managed to get through the toughest year of my life was by writing a journal of my feelings and how I felt. No one knew how I felt nor what I was feeling. No one does until they go through what I endured. That is why I feel I need to share my story with you. If I can help one other person get through this difficult time in there life I feel I have done my job. Knowing your Breasts and mammograms are the best way to detect cancer. I am happy to say that I am 5yrs out. It does get better. If I can survive so can you. You just need to hold on to hope and trust in your doctor.

Lisa Russell
Oshkosh, WI