26 YEAR SURIVIVOR!!!! At the age of 36, I was diagnosed with stage 2b, aggressive breast cancer, ER negative. I had 3 lymph nodes involved.
I rolled over on an area in my right breast that was sore. I immediately went to my doctor and he told me to go home and enjoy life as I was young and had no family history. I watched this lump grow quickly and went back to the same doctor. He finally sent me to a surgeon who told me I had breast cancer on my oldest daughter's 11th birthday. I was shocked, scared, and really angry at my trusted doctor who blew it off 5 months earlier. Treatment included a lumpectomy, CMF chemotherapy, and 6 weeks of radiation.
I got through it all with faith, family and friends. My biggest advice from my experience is to get EVERY lump out of your body, do not hesitate to get mental health help, and keep your faith strong. I was very stubborn and was determined to get through it without any antidepressants. BIG MISTAKE! I wasted many blessed days crying and depressed when I could have been enjoying life especially with my young children. I later worked for a mental health office and discovered how valuable and life-changing anti-depressants can be. I also prayed a lot and strongly believe that God was right with me through it all and cured me.
So 26 years later, I am cancer free. I am very blessed as I now have 4 grandchildren and another one due in July. This wretched disease can be beat. Keep the Faith!
Lake Wylie, SC