Since I was in my 20's, I have always had problems with cysts in my right breast. So I have made it a habit to have a mammogram every year and to know how my breast feel. Since being small chested it was easy. The opportunity to have augmentation arrived and I was scheduled for surgery March 31, 2009. In January however, I felt a lump in my left breast, I immediately had a mammogram done in Feb., nothing showed up and was given the okay for my upcoming surgery. Since my cysts never showed up on mammograms I thought it was another cyst. In September 2009 I went in for my annual Pap test, and while I was there asked to have my breast checked since my surgery. The lump was now visible and my Dr. sent me for another mammogram and an ultra sound, the mammogram showed nothing again,but the ultra sound did. I was told if you have Dense Breast Tissue a tumor sometimes does not show up. After 2 surgeries I was told I had node positive, HR positive Breast Cancer, Stage 1. The onco DX board studied my cancer and determined Chemo would not benefit me, However, 6 weeks 0f radiation would, followed by a pill a day for 5 years. I was devistated, I had just bought my wedding dress the week before finding out I had cancer, for my upcoming wedding in April 2010. In December I turned 50, and shortly after started my radiation treatments. April came and I married the man of my dreams. So far I am cancer free. I ask alot of questions now, and I am determined to beat this horrible disease. Cancer, this is MY BODY and you are not welcome in it so SCRAM !!!!

Linda Holderness
Union, KY