It was to early to get out of bed and I couldn't sleep. Something was nagging me. I couldn't pin point the issue that was keeping me awake. I remembered that it was time to do a self check. Almost immediatly I felt it, a pea sized lump.
I called my physician that morning and had an appointment for later in the day. The next day, my first Mammo showed a spot. I was scared. I was too young.
Surgery was scheduled for the later that week, four days before my birthday. I hadn't told anyone. My husband sat beside me as I told my Mom and Sister. We had lost my Dad to Lung cancer ten years ago. It was one month short of that tenth anniversary.
My surgeon confirmed my fear. Cancer. Tests showed no clear margins around the tumor. Four days after my 35th birthday, I went back for a second operation and Axillary surgery. I was fortunate to need only radiation.
As scary and terrifying as cancer is, I have chosen to look at this episode of my life as a possitve one. Through this journey I know that I'm stronger than I imagined. And, this journey has taught me that the love of friends and family is unconditional, and I try and return that on a daily basis. When ever I find myself in difficult life situations, I remember that if I can deal with cancer, I can deal with anything
Norway, ME