While underway conducting training in preparation for our upcoming deployment, I had felt sharp pains in my left breast. After the third day, I did a self exam and felt a lump and immediately went to the ship's medical department. My Medical Officer felt the lump and wrote a consult for a mammogram at the Naval Hospital upon return to homeport. I arrived for a mammogram and ultrasound. Nothing on the mammogram but the ultrasound showed a 1.7 cm mass. A few days later a biopsy was done and they made me an appointment with the surgeon. Oct 11, 2013, I was diagnosed with IDC breast cancer. The next several weeks was a blur with radiation oncology consult, OB/Gyn consult, BRCA testing, bone scans, X-rays and MRIs. It was believed that the cancer was stage 1. After the lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy of 2 nodes, it was confirmed that the cancer was triple positive, stage 2 with a 2.2 cm mass and micrometastasis in one node. The surgeon didn't want to do more surgery and felt that chemo and radiation would take care of any cancer cells. 35 years old, giving 17 years to the US Navy and never having children, my concern is whether I will be allowed to retire at my 20 year mark. Thankfully, the Oncologist is allowing me to postpone chemotherapy so that I can go through the steps of retrieving and freezing my eggs. Next step, 8 rounds of chemo then radiation, Herceptin, and long term Tamoxifen. My medical team at the Naval Hospital is incredible and reassured me that I can still retire. My command is supportive and removed me from the ship. My fertility team is generous and compassionate. My husband that I am still a newlywed to, has shown me patience and unconditional love. I know that as I go through this journey that I will be okay because I am surrounded by an incredible support system of family and friends.

Linda Gonzalez
Hampton, VA