I am a 5 year survivor that found her breast cancer the hard way. I had breast implants done at the end of March in 2004. Everything looked great, except I felt a lump up above my breast that the Doctors said was a strained muscle. I went with what he said until the end of July, when I demanded a mammogram. In quick order I had the mammogram, a biopsy and surgery all in one week! My husband was in Iraq and I was alone in Hawaii! Red Cross got him home, my Mom flew in from Arizona for three months and they went through chemo and radiation with me. All the ups and downs! I recommend you do a self check every month and if you are considering implants, have a mammogram done first! They are not required prior to implant surgery. Due to my radiation and issues with tissue, I now not only don't have implants, I don't have any breasts either! If I hadn't gone with my gut instincts, I may have been in worse condition. Do your self exams, and when in doubt, see your Dr. and if needed push for a mammogram! I can't thank my family and friends for all the support they gave me during the entire ordeal. Having someone to be there with you helps so very much.Let laughter be the best medicine!

Danielle Neal
Wahiawa, HI