April 1st, 2011...the news came in...Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma! I was 46 years old. No family history of breast cancer, and otherwise very healthy. I had had mammograms for six years, already, because of 'dense' breast tissue. My family doctor thought it would be a good idea to have routine mammograms every year just to be on the safe side. After the sixth mammogram something had changed. There was an architectural distortion. From that distortion to a 2.1cm tumour in two weeks!
Six rounds of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation and six surgeries later, I remain cancer free! Lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy, double mastectomy, reconstruction, oophorectomy and a final 'nip tuck' to make everything right...all is GREAT. In April, it will be FOUR years!
I look back on the past 3 1/2 years with a smile on my face. I am a changed person! I have always been a positive person but now, even more so! Life is amazing! I value every single second of it. I wouldn't change one bit of it. IT all made me the strong force I am today. I am blessed and thank God for everyday! What, for some, would be the scariest thing in their life has been my greatest gift.
Sue Kempton
Whitby, ON
Canada
Whitby, Canada
