In mid-December 2007, I was fortunate to be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I say fortunate because it was Stage 0 which did not warrant Radiation or Chemotherapy, but it was extensive in my left breast where a lumpectomy would not have been fully effective. So, I had a Mastectomy with the first phase of Reconstructive Surgery in February 2008. When obtaining my medical clearance for the final stage of the Reconstructive Surgery after complaining of chest discomfort in September 2008, it was discovered I was having heart problems which temporarily set-back the surgery. I was scheduled for a Thallium Cardiac Stresst Test which revealed a blockage in my heart. I was scheduled to have Angioplasty performed and during the procedure, in which you are awake, it revealed I had three blockages. This left me extremely depressed and wondering what else could happen. So, soon after my 55th birthday, I retired with over 31 years of Federal law enforcement service and had a Triple By-Pass in early October 2008. I feel extremely fortunate that I had not suffered a heart attack or stroke due to my heart condiition. This is a true testament that God works in mysterious ways because if I had not been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, my heart problem may not have been discovered until after a full heart attack or stroke. Now that I have recovered from both and can fully enjoy my three grandsons.

Mary D. Smallwood
Homestead, FL