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Belinda
breast cancer
stage two

I am an African. American. female, divorced, with no children. My fears were confirmed when I heard the words "you have breast cancer." Early January 2001 I found a lump in my left breast. I put it on the back burner. Huge mistake. At the time I had temporary custody of my niece 10 and my nephew 8. Life at the time was too hectic for me to schedule a mammogram. I was responsible for two young lives alone, and could not take anytime off work. For the next six months I was in denial. When school dismissed for summer break in June the kids were reunited with their mom. I made the appointment early June. I had the mammogram, then I was called in for a retake. At that very moment I knew I had breast cancer. I again put my fears on the back burner. After the second mammogram it's all a blur. It all zoomed by swiftly. Biopsy, Mastectomy and Chemotherapy. I have completed 4 rounds of A/C. I am going through the Taxotere now. My treatment plan consists of 4 rounds A/C and 4 rounds of Taxotere. All of my life I have been a care giver to others. Putting others needs first before my own. Don't take this the wrong way. This is a wonderful quality to have. Since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer I know I need to make Lifestyle Changes. If I had made the appointment back in January when I first discovered the lump. Just maybe it would have been caught in time. I will never know. What I do know is that it's OK to care for others. But caring for self is priority #1. GOD BLESS ALL WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE.

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