The day I had my annual mammogram I just had the feeling something was wrong. I was not surprised to get a call 2 days later telling me they wanted to do an ultrasound. Then I had a two spots biopsied 6 days later Waiting was the worst!! The mass was small (1.2cm) but the grade of my cells was a 3, which wasn't good. The mass would not have been found without a mammogram because I would not have felt this until it was much larger. Because of family history, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy and while it was a hard decision I knew I wouldn't regret it and I don't regret it. During the sentinel node biopsy the cancer was in 6 of 11 lymph nodes. When the Dr. called with that information it was really a low point for me. My journey has been filled with ups and downs but I have stayed very positive. I have complete faith in my Oncologist and she laid out the plan for 4 rounds of A/C 12 of Taxol and 33 treatments of radiation. The A/C was hard on my blood counts. Anti-nausea meds worked wonders for me when I took them how the Dr. suggested. I had Neulasta shots and Procrit shots and kept working part-time. The Taxol was so much better and easier to manage and didn't have the nausea and fatigue as with the A/C. I also have developed Stage 1 Lymphedema. I have swelling under my right arm where the lymph nodes were removed. I wear a compression cami and a compression sleeve. For a while I was really angry about the Lymphedema. I did come to accept this knowing others are dealing with much worse problems. Now that I am done with all of my treatments, I plan on paying it forward and trying to educate people on Lymphedema and to be a mentor to others who are going through the same things that I have gone through.

Nancy Dallman
Oklahoma City, OK