My journey with breast cancer began in 2003. I had my regular mammogram in September which came back with no concerns. The very next month on a Friday in October, I was doing my breast self exam and felt a lump in my right breast. At first I didn’t think too much of it because I had just had a mammogram. By the next Monday, I became very concerned and called my doctor to get an appointment after which I was scheduled for a fine needle biopsy. After waiting for several days for the results I received a phone call from the doctor. He told me over the phone that I had breast cancer. Yes, over the phone.
The next week I made an appointment with a surgeon to get an assessment of what my next steps were. I had a lumpectomy in November on the day after Thanksgiving. Then I started chemotherapy the day after Christmas, and followed up with 35 radiation treatments over the next 7 weeks. I completed my therapy in the Spring of 2004.
I was blessed to triumph over breast cancer but my message to anyone who finds a lump or other symptom of breast cancer is to get an exam as soon as possible. Don’t wait! Also, be sure to do monthly breast exams and schedule your regular mammograms according to the most recent breast cancer prevention guidelines. Early detection is still the best course of action to keep you healthy !
