My story starts this past summer 2013, my right breast started feeling funny,almost like milk was coming in, burning sensation and slight pain. The pain got worse, I took it as hormonal as I am 48 and starting to experience some changes in my periods, etc. I had "missed" my last two mammograms...I was just "too busy". I'm a proud mother of a 13 yr old boy, married to the best guy ever and a successful Realtor. I saw my Dr for my annual pap, it was a Tuesday. After we met, of course he ordered the Mammo, I went that day, they were busy so I put it off another week because I was "too busy to wait". That Thursday at home I did a self exam and swore I felt a lump! I went for my Mammo that next Tuesday, a couple days later I got a call telling me to come back for a 2nd Mammo and ultrasound. That was scary, but all the articles I read stated "most come back normal & cancer doesn't hurt" so I stayed tough. Ultrasound showed an abnormal spot, I was told to meet with a surgeon for a biopsy. After another week of waiting...I heard the words " The biopsy shows you have Breast Cancer". Thank GOD my Husband, Mom and Sister were with me, we all wanted to drop to our knees, he sat with us for a good hour explaining our next move, keeping us positive. With the facts he gave us: 2.8 cm Invasive Ductal Carcinoma...I decided my best option would be to have a partial mastectomy and centinal node biopsy. My surgery was yesterday (Dec. 9, 2013), 19 days after my diagnosis. So now we wait another week for those results before we go to the next stage. My attitude has been great...my usual bubbly self, still working hard, all decorated for Christmas so I can enjoy these next few weeks before starting any treatments this monster throws at me! Fight like a GIRL, We've got this ladies!! God Bless all of us fighting this...Kelly

Kelly A Salcedo
Exeter, CA