I am a 32 yr old mother of 4. Late last year I found a pea sized lump in my right breast. Having no known family history of breast cancer, I brushed it off as a swollen milk duct. In Jan of this year, I went to have an exam. My dr also believed it to be no more than a swollen duct but insisted on an ultrasound as a precaution. After an ultrasound, mammagram, and biopsy I was told I had early stage DCIS and that I would need a mastectomy. My Drs believed that it had not spread. After the mastectomy we discovered that it had spread into 19 of my lympnodes. My early stage DCIS was now Stage 3 HER2+ Breast Cancer. I was told I would need 6 months chemo, 6 wks radiation and 1 year of Herceptin. I had a lifeport put in and began chemo. I am currently halfway through chemo. It has been a difficult time but I am surrounded by positive, loving people who constantly encourage me. There are times where I feel like giving up. The sickness from the chemo can make you feel SO defeated. But I look at my husband and children and know that I can NEVER give up. They need me as much as I need them and I will FIGHT until GOD says its time. To all the survivors who have shared their stories, thank you for your encouragement! And to those fighting now, STAY STRONG!! We CAN do this! God Bless you!

Melissa Cruz
Modesto, CA