My first cancer diagnosis was January 2009; I required a sonogram to verify what was causing abdominal pain. My OB-GYN called and said you are overdue for a mammogram. I remember the morning of the tests telling my boyfriend I was more worried about the mammogram than the sonogram. The sonogram identified fibroid tumors; then I headed to the mammogram. My OB-GYN scheduled a hysterectomy for 1 March. Later that week I l got a call to have another mammogram. They told me to wait for the radiologist to review the images. So I sat in the room in one of those lovely gowns and waited. The doctor came in and sat down in a chair and grabbed a box of tissues and I knew. He said there was a 95% chance that I had breast cancer. The day that I was scheduled to have a hysterectomy I had a lumpectomy instead; three weeks later I had a hysterectomy and then 7 weeks of treatment. My second diagnosis was on my birthday in February 2013. Same breast and since I had radiation there was no other option but a mastectomy in March followed by reconstruction of both breasts in July. I was devastated with the first diagnosis, I am a single Mom and all I could think about was my son. I quickly realized how precious life is; it put things into perspective. I viewed the second diagnosis as a blessing, early detection saved my life again. I often remember sitting in the doctor's office getting the results of the stereo-tactic biopsy and I told the doctor to take the entire breast and he said there was no need since it was detected early; yet the cancer returned despite 35 treatments. Trust your instincts, know your family history, make yourself and your health a priority, and never give up hope because Life is incredibly good. I recently celebrated one-year of being cancer free. The scariest part was the unknown; reach out to others they are there to help and support you. EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!! I am proof.

Rachel Lewis
Havre de Grace, MD