I was 29 years old with an eight month old baby. At my first post baby check-up I asked my doctor when I should get a mammogram. My mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer - Mom at age 54 - Grandmother at 35. He told me I can wait until I am forty. I asked him if there was a law against having a mammo at age 29. He said absolutely not - to make a long story short - I decided to have a mammo and to my surprise - it came back as microcalcifications consistent with malignancy in my left breast. I decided to have a biopsy done and the outcome was cancer. Knowing what my mother went through, I asked my doctor if I he could do a double mastectomy with bi-lateral reconstruction. At that point I wanted no part of my breasts and just wanted to live for my family. He told me I was a prime candidate for lumpectomy but he did say to me if that is your choice - then I agree with you 100% - you probably just saved your life. (My mother's cancer did reoccur 16 years later). I did not want to have to worry about breast cancer again. Yes, it was a radical choice!! But it was the choice I felt comfortable with.
Today, I have been a survivor for 23 years!! I had two more children (2 beautiful girls) and I am grateful every day that I am alive!!! Please keep fighting the fight!!!
Annette
New Providence, NJ