I was in the Office of Lakehouse in Mandeville, LA where I worked at the time. The girls were all in there talking, Cheryl Cosse (Our boss), Marilyn Jordan, and Krissy Patecek, and I, Karen Williams. Krissy was to undergo a Lumpectomy, so this was the subject of our conversation. Krissy's mother has had Breast Cancer, but Krissy, Thank God, has never been diagnosed with it. They asked when I had my last mammogram, and I said I did not recall, but that I didn't even know how to do a self-breast exam. I asked Krissy if she would show me. She said she would. So, as Krissy was showing me on my left breast, she said she felt a lump. Of course I said, "Okay, stop joking around." She said, "I'm serious, Karen, I feel a lump." Then Cheryl came over to confirm what Krissy was feeling and confirmed it. It was a lump. Well, Cheryl said to drop everything and go call and get a Dr.'s appointment right away, which I got one for that day. After the Dr. saw me, I was sent for an Ultrasound. The Radiologist confirmed that is was something there, NOT TO IGNORE IT. I didn't and after they took biopsies, it came back malignant and my breast was to be removed. My cancer was stage 2A. Can you imagine if we hadn't been talking that day? I may not be here today. I credit Krissy and my boss, Cheryl, with saving my life. I am on Arimidex, and I did not have to have Chemo or radiation. I love my life and just had a mammogram and I am still cancer free. My Mastectomy was on March 23, 2005.

Karen J. Williams
Mandeville, LA