I remember I'm always aware of a single mobile cyst in my right breast. I had sought opinions from several doctors & they said the same thing, "It's only a harmless cyst". Fast forward to present, with 4 beautiful children, no family history of breast cancer, regular visits to my doctor, a normal mammogram last 12/12 plus eating healthy & doing regular exercise, the word "cancer" does not exist in my world. December 2014, my right breast became tender & itchy. My husband whose my rock sensed something strange in my right breast begged me to see my doctor. I confirmed his fear when I saw a dimpling in my right breast, a size of a pill. I went to see my doctor who immediately ordered mammogram, CT ultrasound, biopsy & MRI. March 9 when I received the call from my doctor, "I'm sorry but you have an invasive ductal carcinoma". I cried & cried & I immediately thought of my kids & my husband. I told myself that I will have to be strong & fight if I want to be with them. Last 4/2/14, I had my unilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy (2 lymph nodes checked) which were cleared for cancer. My husband was with me throughout the ordeal. My mother who traveled thousands of miles at a very short notice, came & took care of our children so I can focus on my treatment & recovery. I'm at stage 1 & not needing chemotherapy. I am on tamoxifen with mild side effects of hot flashes, mild joint pains, itchy rashes. I am back to my same sweet life before cancer struck but this time, I'm smiling more, I don't stress out to simple little things, I give more hugs & kisses to my family, I am now an ardent advocate for breast cancer awareness, I pray & thank God more for this second chance in life! Life is beautiful & a wonderful blessing! I intend to embrace every moment of it!

Anonymous
Fairfield, CA