My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2010, at the age of 81. She chose to have a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. The surgery was successful, got all of the cancer and the sentinel node came back clear. She has just started the process to begin radiation, which she will do for six weeks. Two weeks ago, I was in the hospital for ten days; my mom came twice a day, every day to see me. Her lump was so small that it could not be detected by hand, it was only because of the mammogram that it was found early. Please do your monthly self breast exams and get those mammograms, because breat cancer can and does happen. Mom is my touch stone and my best friend; she anchors us and inspires all of us. She is going to be a survivor and we will be right there with her. We are going to do this together. I love you mom and am so proud of you!

Sheila Sawyer
Elizabeth City, NC