In August 2003 I had my annual mammogram. At the time I was living in Pennsylvania, I now live in Ohio. Of course I thought it would be like all the others, nothing wrong. After the mammogram, the technician said the doctor wanted me to have an ultrasound. The doctor told me there was an irregularity. They had found a lump and wanted to confirm it with the ultrasound. It could be seen on the ultrasound because it was high and up against the chest wall. I was scheduled for core biopsy. The next day the doctor's office called me to schedule an appointment to discuss the findings of the biopsy. And of course no one at the office could tell me what was found. The next day, my husband and I went to the doctor office. She said the left breast was negative for any cancer, but the right breast had a cancerous lump. She gave me my options and I chose a mastectomy. At the time I was 60 yrs old and felt I didn't need it anyway. I researched breast reconstruction and decided against it. Found too many negative things about it. My husband didn't like the idea of the mastectomy, but I had it anyway. So on September 25, 2003 I had a right mastectomy. That day also happens to be my daughter and son in law's wedding anniversary. After the surgery the doctor informed my family-she is cancer free. Since I was estrogen positive and having gone through menopause I was lucky enough to be able to take Tamoxifen. I took it every day for five years. This past September was my tenth anniversary. Now I am praying for my niece who is now going through chemo.

Sally Smith
Columbus, OH