After getting a reminder call to do my annual pap smear, I thought I might as well schedule the mammogram on the same day. This was in October 2009. After the call and postcard to return, my life has changed completely in so many ways. It was Halloween Eve when I got the news over the phone: invasive ductal cell carcinoma. In brief: biopsies, mastectomy of the right breast and TRAM Flap reconstruction,left breast reduction and then reduction of a "hernia" that resulted from the reconstruction. Four surgeries in one year. I'm on tamoxifen to reduce the 15% risk I have of it returning.
But, it was my husband, my sister and family and a wonderful circle of priestesses who helped me through it all. Meals were delivered the first month and taking time off of work was not a problem.
It took over 8 months before I could say, " I had breast cancer".
What scares and upsets me everyday is news of another woman who has died of breast cancer. Even in my rural area, women die and it makes me want to scream.
My wish is this : no one else will ever die from breast cancer.
Gualala, CA