My life began at age 47. Meaning I had to focus more on myself than I had with raising kids and a 28 year marraige. I had put off having my mammogram until then. I was having terrible left leg and hip pain, and could no longer stand for long periods of time. My GP sent me for all kinds of tests for my leg. MRI, ect. Everything was fine. The last thing I had to do was a Mammogram. No longer could I put it off!. Mammo was easier than I thought, didn't think anything of it until I was opening mail in the car one day. Hmm it was from the Radiologist to come back for additional scans. I immediately stopped at my dr.'s for a script, and made an appointment. My Dr. Started talking about Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer? Me? , but my leg hurts not my breast!. Back for scans and ultrasound. Appointment with surgeon. The waiting game is not fun. Lumpectomy, then back for clear margins. Er/Pr positive, Her/2. So chemo and radiation it is. Pills not to get sick, white blood count shot, back for fluids. Weeks of radiation. Herception IV after. Tamoxifen for awhile.
Finally feeling better except the muscle pain I went back to work.
This month it will be 5 years cancer free. I celebrated with a few cupcakes and vacation time. Thought I had won the battle. I went to the ER for a swollen stomach. Don't know what caused it. They took X-rays to check and saw a spot on my lung. I go to the lung Doc in one hour. A little scarred of course. I am not sure. Everything runs through your mind at this point. But I said my peace five years ago.
Sewell, NJ
