My yearly physical would be in November but for some reason it was put off. I decided to go on my birthday, March 24, of the following year. I took the day off from work and decided to also have a mammogram the same day. All the nurses gave me praise for selecting my birthday and what a good thing to do for yourself. I was diagnosed almost a month later with breast cancer. On May 9th I had a lumpectomy and followed up with radiation therapy twice a day for five days. I think if I had my regular appointment in November maybe there wouldn't have been any detection of the cancer with the possibility of it growing over the next year. I truly feel blessed and hope that if I inspire any women it would be for early detection. There weren't any signs and no family history. I admire and support all of my "sisters" in the fight against breast cancer. Be strong, have faith, and fight on!

Julie Schunter
Flint, MI