I had my first mamogram at 48 last June as urged by my new gynecologist. Breast cancer did not run in my family and I was told by the tech after the test that things looked good; not to worry so when I was called back, I wasn't initially concerned. After that test I was given an immediate ultrasound. Then I was told to wait for the radiologist who needed to talk to me. That's when I realized that something was gravely wrong. When I got the news that I had breast cancer in my right breast, I was alone. The room turned black and two nurses rushed in to be supportive after I got the news. The next two weeks I took a myriad of other tests; blood work, biopsy (ouch), pet scan, mri. My parents and I met with a top surgeon and after being cleared medically, I had surgery on July 27th. Because the tumor was small, close to chest wall, and caught early, it was necessary for another doctor to place a 12 inch guide wire thru my breast while I was awake, at another location, a few hours before my surgery. My parents took me thru all of this. It broke my heart to worry them. I was always referred to as "The Golden Child", and the GTC is not supposed to get sick. Radiation started on my 49th birthday August 20th and lasted for 8 weeks, every day; 33 treatments. It was exhausting. By the middle of treatment my skin was raw and black. Scarey to look at, and painful to touch. Looking back, the experience was humbling, and life changing for me. I am now Cancer free and urge every woman to start getting tested by 39 if not sooner. God bless you!

Lori
Naples, FL