In August 2013 we received notice that we were being transferred back to CA after 2 years in FL. I decided to go get my annual exams done before we left. I saw my family doctor, had a routine mammogram and prepared to move. A few weeks later I returned to my doctor for results. The NP was so happy to report that all of my blood work and exams were great except for something "funny" that was found on my mammogram in my right breast, but said it was nothing to worry about and to get a follow up in 6 months. I wasn't satisfied with her recommendation due to the fact that in 2011 while we were preparing to move to FL I received a dreaded phone call that my 31 year old daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive Triple Negative form of breast cancer. My 2 years in FL was consumed with trips back and forth from FL to CO to care for her and her 2 young sons while she endured aggressive chemo, a double mastectomy, and reconstruction. I saw first hand what cancer does. I demanded a referral for an MRI which I was given while being told it probably wasn't necessary. The MRI lead to further testing which found a tumor deep near my chest wall in my left breast. A biopsy found cancer in my left breast. The biopsy of my right breast showed no cancer. With all of my information in hand we relocated to CA and I found my team of doctors. So far I have had a double mastectomy and am beginning reconstruction. I meet with a Medical Oncologist this week to find out if I will benefit from chemo. Moral of my story is to listen to that little voice inside and don't take anyone's word that "it is probably nothing" or "wait 6 months". You just never know. My daughter was also tested for the BRCA gene and it was found to be negative. Please, listen to that little voice and get tested!

Kim Johnson
Yucca Valley, CA