I found my lump in Oct 2007. After having every test possible run on me, it was determined to be 1 cancerous lump in my right breast. I have had fibrocystic breast for40 years, so I was not really surprised one would turn to cancer. I was 58 at the time. I chose a bilateral mastectomy because I new eventually it would return in the other side. I was prepared mentally for everything,why I don't know, but I was. I had nice breasts all my life(Victoria"s Secret was my best friend), but I chose NOT to under go reconstructive surgery. I wanted to survive, not worry about boobs!!! I am here to tell you Chemo is very doable. I expected the worse and none of it occured. Yes my hair fell out, but it grew back!! My fingernails turned purple, but that went away. Joints ached, but that too went away. I kept a major POSITIVE ATTITUDE throughout the whole treatment segment. 16 months of Chemo for a chance to survive, and I am here today to tell you, I DID. Cancer is not a death sentence. It was just a pebble on my road of life.

Carol Solomon Proesel
Orlando, FL