After a routine mammogram, I received the shocking news that I had invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast. I was alone when I received the news but was soon joined by my husband, son and daughter. We were all in shock. Nothing ever happens to Mom! I felt the same way... it's always someone else who has breast cancer, but now it was me! The next day I saw my surgeon and then had surgery two days later--a lumpectomy followed by 34 days of radiation.
The most important thing I found for me was to keep my attitude up. I tried to keep a smile on my face and a cheerful attitude. My family and friends, especially my Facebook friends--"Heifers"--we called ourselves helped and encouraged me daily through laughter and much prayer. My radiation team became my friends and they are all special to me. The 34 days went by quickly and now I am doing great.
My daughter, daughter-in-law and best friend gave me a "Surprise" End of Radiation party where the decorations were pink, the cake made by my daughter-in-law had the pink breast cancer ribbon on top, and pink clothing was worn by many, pink leis were worn by the men and I was given a princess grad headband to wear. I received some very sweet greeting cards from my family and friends. It was a wonderful night of celebraton.
I believe the best thing you can do once you get over the initial shock of finding out you have breast cancer is to keep your attitude light, to gather your friends and family around you and to pray. God helped me through this journey and I know he is the reason I was able to get through this difficult time in my life!
Enterprise, AL
