I had my son at the age of 38. I loved nursing him for the bonding experience and so he was still nursing at the age of 2. That made me so familiar with my breasts that I knew something was wrong. It took me going through 4 medical professionals before I found one who took the time to find what frightened me more than anything (my mom and grandmother both died of metastasized colon cancer).
When I was diagnosed, I was freshly out of a relationship. He thought the cancer would bring us together again. I couldn't trust it. So I went through 1 1/2 years of treatment, a good portion of the time it was just me and my challenging toddler. I went to my treatments alone, observing patients with support people holding their hands. Then I would go home to my son when often I could barely move. My experience with breast cancer treatment taught me how strong I never knew I could be.
My son was and is a gift. One day when he understands, I will tell him how he saved my life.
Twin Falls, ID
