October 8,1999 I went in for my regular mammogram, a few days later I received a call from my doctor wanting me to have more mammogram pictures and an ultrasound. I few days later I received the call that I potentially had breast cancer. My husband also was fighting terminal cancer and this was the worst news I could have ever received. October 15, 1999 I was scheduled for a biopsy, at first I was told the frozen section was normal then when I went into the surgeon's office I received the news that I had Stage 2 Infiltrating poorly differentiated ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I was then scheduled for a lumpectomy with lymph node removal. This was followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These were dark days for me but I kept most of my feelings to myself, felt very alone at times. I felt I had to remain strong to support my kids so they would not be so scared, especially with my husband also sick at home. I took a long lunch break and would go for chemo then return to work. This was the hardest fight of my life, I'm not sure anyone knew how I really felt or how tired I would become. My husband lost his fight with carcinoid syndrome shortly after I completed radiation therapy. More dark days to follow.
I had one more scare after a mammogram in 2007 but the MRI was clear so I could breath again.
Here it is October 2014 and I'm am so lucky and blessed to be a 15 year survivor! I have never told anyone my story but would like to share it now on this anniversary.
Please remember that mammograms do save lives and encourage your friends to always get theirs. Find someone who can support you when your down and always give thanks for your blessings.
Oklahoma City, OK
