I first found a lump in 1995 when I was 31 through self breast exam but was denied access to a mammogram because "I was too young for one". Finally through much effort and self determination on my part I got one and it was breast cancer. My kids were 7 (boy) and 9 (girl). My first thoughts were, " am I going to see them grow up?" and "who was going to take care of them like I would?" I had a partial lumpectomy in the right breast, chemo and radiation, then 5 years of tamoxifen. When it was time to stop the tamoxifen I was like....what if I stop and it comes back? In 2002 I was diagnosed with a different cancer in the left breast, had a another lumpectomy, another round of chemo, this time more intense (red medicine), no hair, and radiation. Done with that then 2 months later in 2003, the cancer spread to my spine. I was told I had maybe 2 yrs to live. Had the tumor removed along with some bone (it was horrible) and then getting back up to walk...whew! More chemo and radiation and was on a maintenance drug for my bones every 30 days for a few yrs, then every 6 mos, now once a year. I am in remission and still alive and its one day away from 2010 and I am blessed that my children are grown 21 (son) and 23 (daughter) and also an 8 yr old grandson :) I thank God everyday for everyday that I am alive and I will say to you all....do your self breast exams and get your mammograms!!!!

Robin
Trenton, NJ