At 46 and 7 weeks before a three week family Disney reunion/vacation. I discovered a lump in my right breast 3 months prior and didn't really give it much thought as in the past I was always told that it was just my cycle or an inflamed milk duct. But something made this different. My husband urged me to have it checked out just in case, so I did. My family doctor gave me a referral for both a mammogram and a breast surgeon consult. The mammogram was normal. The surgeon did an ultrasound and a biopsy. A few weeks later, the word cancer came into our lives. I just laughed. All I could think of we're my boys (14, 8, 2), my husband and our vacation. The next few weeks went by in a flash. I had a segmental mastectomy, I had genetic testing, consults you name it. My BRCA I & II were negative, as was my sentinel node biopsy. I was a Stage II, not Stage I as initially thought. I met with radiology and medical oncology. I had an Oncotype done, which left me more confused, as I was 13%, above the 10% and way below my doc's recommended 22-25%. I prayed HARD! I finally decided to go for it. I had too much to live for. My doctors allowed me to start chemo after my vacation. I returned on a Sunday, that Monday I had my port placed and Thursday I was receiving my first chemo dose a cocktail of Taxotere and Cytoxan. I received a dose every three weeks x 6. My last dose was yesterday 12-31-13! January I begin radiation, and then Tamoxifen. I have been BLESSED with my faith, family, being able to do this for the most part with a smile on my face, (even while losing my hair), friends and my FB family for the love, support and many words of encouragement. It was tough, but I fought like a girl, and came out a woman warrior! I thank God. I pray that I may inspire someone even just one.

Theresa Hill
Wilmington, DE