In June, 2001 I just happened to have a check-up scheduled with my surgeon who had, six months before, aspirated a cyst in my left breast. This time, I had two, what I thought were cysts, in my right breast that were hurting and I just thought they would have to be aspirated like all the other times. I almost cancelled the appointment. But, as God would have it, I went to the appointment. My surgeon immediately sent me to the breast clinic for a biopsy, which was definitely unusual. The next day I was immediately called to go back to the clinic for the findings. Honestly, I can't remember exactly everything I was told because I was in shock to find out that I did indeed have breast cancer this time.
Even though the cancer was only in my right breast, I opted to have a double mastectomy as I did not want to have to deal with this again. At first, my surgeon said I could go until at least December before having the surgery, but within a week, I was called back in only to be told it was a very aggressive cancer and that I needed to have the surgery immediately, and was then sent to an oncologist to be told what we would have to do after the surgery. Six months of chemo and Tamoxifen for five years.
As devastating as loosing my breasts was, loosing my hair and gaining weight was even more devastating. And, the reconstruction could not be completed because of a staff infection I got during the surgery.
But now, upon reflection, I realize that none of it mattered, as long as the cancer was gone for good! I was blessed because it was caught in time and had not gone into my lymph nodes. What is left of these ugly breasts can be covered, and I am 12 1/2 years in remission. Thank you Lord!!
Lafayettte, LA