It was February 2008 (age 44) when I was laying in bed and found a lump in my left breast. I mentioned it to my husband & he told me to call my doctor. I procrastinated & finally made an appointment late April with my primary care. She referred me to an ultrasound. After the ultrasound, I was then referred to a surgeon to get a biopsy done. The biopsy was scheduled for mid-May but I caught a cold with fever so the biopsy was rescheduled to June. That same day, the surgeon told me I tested malignant for breast cancer. My world came crashing down on me. I thought about my family and how much they still need me.
Mastectomy was on 7/3/08. My oncologist said I had Stage 2A breast cancer & no lymph nodes were affected. Chemo started 8/2008 & went every 3rd Friday until 11/2008. Radiation started 2nd week of 12/2008 every weekday till the last Friday in 1/2009. I had very bad reactions on the 1st two chemo treatments & ended up in the ER and another incident, my white blood count dropped to dangerous levels. I realized I was really sick when I started losing my hair. I broke down sobbing. Long story short, I am in remission. It's over 5 years and I see my oncologist every 6 months...so far so good. I still, however, get very nervous every single time I go to that appointment.
I pray every night and looked to God for guidance and strength. There were times I felt like I wanted to give up but thought about my family, friends and all the wonderful people in my life, & had to push myself to get through it. I told myself I can do this. I am blessed to have the support of my family, friends & co-workers. I enjoy life to its fullest with everyone I love & care about. My husband & I just celebrated our 25th Anniversary this past June. He has always been there for me & there for every single treatment. Life is good!
Las Vegas, NV
