I was 38 years old when diagnosed with cancer. My chest started hurting. I felt a knot the size of a golf ball that came up overnight. Next day I went
to see my doctor. She looked at it and thought it was a cyst. Refusing to take a chance she had me go do my mammo and a sono for the first time. They detected a spot in my left breast. Did a lumpectomy the next week.. Everyone kept telling me not to worry. The old words "Cancer doesn't hurt" and "you have no family history" were said by so many... I suppose it was for encouragement...Anyway, 3 days later I received a call that YES it was cancer. Found out that I had to have a mastectomy on my left side. Went to see the plastic surgeon for my reconstruction appointment and he informed me that I had to quit smoking for at least 2 weeks or he wouldn't do the surgery. Cold Turkey that night. Thought I was loosing it when the doctor called again to inform me that I had to have a hysterectomy because my hormones were causing my cancer. Lovely. 6 hours of surgery. Mastectomy, hysterectomy, TRAM flap reconstruction, and 4 days in the hospital, what a combo. Next is chemo..Then the loss of my hair. Fortunately I had my wig and it was awesome. THANKS AFLAC. However, I did get my tummy tuck... And might I add that all the doctors did a wonderful job. The only tatoo I will ever have the courage to get. Well 3 1/2 years in remission. YEAH!! Thanks to all my wonderful family and friends. Congrats to all the survivors and may god bless each and every one of you....
Osawatomie, KS