After losing our mother in 1975 at age 41 to two different types of breast cancer, it was very much on my mind as I entered my 40's. In August 2001, while massaging my neck and upper chest area, I found a small pea-sized lump in my upper left breast. It was so high that regular mammograms had missed it. Needle biopsy confirmed breast cancer, and subsequent surgery showed no lymph node involvement. Because of our family history, I opted for double mastectomies with reconstruction and high-dose chemo. I was 44 years old. Less than 9 months later, my only sibling - my 36-year-old sister who had a 4-year-old, 3 year-old, and an infant - had a mammogram which showed a suspicious lump. She, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer on punch biopsy, and also chose double mastectomies and chemo. Almost nine years later, we are both cancer free, happy, healthy, and with our families - and loving every day on this planet. Get that mammogram and regularly do self-examination - it can save your life!
Rebecca RRussellville, AR
