It was February 7, 2010 when I got the diagnosis - 'Breast Cancer'. Disbelief and deceit were all I could think. I was 62 years old and I had my Mammograms done every year - never missing one. My Breast Cancer did NOT show up on mammogram. I had to be sitting or standing and then you could see and feel the lump. I felt my mammos had deceived me. Wrong! Mammogram is still the 'Gold' standard, it picks up 80% of all Breast Cancers. I just was in that 20%. Women should request their doctors check them sitting up as well as laying down. It only takes a few more minutes (but can add years to your life).
I have had my surgery, radiation and taking my medications. Now my life consists of my "new normal'. Even though every day is not wonderful (they were not all wonderful before my diagnosis), each day is a blessing and is to be enjoyed and shared. I am so thankful for all my doctors, treatment teams and friends and then mostly God. God gave everyone the knowledge, ability, time and availability to take care of me. This disease has given me the ability to become more compassionate and understanding of all those around me and to value each day of my life so much more
Thank you Breast Cancer for helping me (and hopefully to help others).
Winston-Salem, NC
