I had missed two periods at age 44 1/2 and took a home pregnancy test. When the test was negative, I told my husband I was going for a complete checkup, along with a mammogram. I thought I was too young for menopause. My Dr. call on my birthday that I needed to see a surgeon. The following week I had a lumpectomy and then had six weeks of radiation and took Tamoxifen. I research Tamoxifen on my own and found out that uterine cancer was a side effect, but curable caught early. I went to my Dr. to discuss it and he has said at that time they didn't know that much about Tamoxifen, so I said that I would come yearly for a vaginal ultrasound. In my 5 th year, suspicious cells were found and had to have a D&C, which confirm that I needed a complete hysterectomy. I was relieved that I did not have uterine cancer. I have always felt extremely fortunate that my breast cancer was caught early, for I wasn't due to see my Dr. for another year. Whenever I tell anyone it was my birthday when I found out, they feel sad for me, but I tell them it was the best birthday present because I am now a 21 yr. survivor at age 65. 1993, my Dr. told me that I had a 25% chance of having breast cancer in my other breast, I immediately said, I have a 75% of not and am going with those odds. I really feel that a positive attitude helps, especially when you have no choice but to go through it. I have been a volunteer for many breast cancer groups and events and will continue as long as I can or a cure is found.

Susan Borofsky
East Hartford, CT