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40-49
Jackie W.
breast cancer
stage one

I am a 49 year old mother and a special education teacher. I have had over ten biopsies in the past eleven years. I had very dense breasts and over the years have found many lumps that didn't show up on any mammograms. Every time I had a biopsy done I wondered if this was the time I would be told that I had cancer. Each time I felt like I had dodged the bullet. Even the last time a lump was found my surgeon did a mammotome biopsy and it was negative for cancer. He did ask that I come in for follow-up visits just to watch and be sure that all was well with my breast. It was at the follow-up 5 months later when he found a suspicious growth in my other breast using ultrasound. I had another mammotome biopsy but this time I was told I had cancer. A lumpectomy was done and based on the results of my pathology report, my family history with both grandmothers having had breast cancer I chose to have a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery done at the same time. I went to my doctors and listened to their opinions, researched information on breast cancer and treatment survival rates and I feel very good with what I chose to do. I know that there is more surgery and pain that comes with reconstruction but that was my choice to make and I can live with that. I will undergo 6 months of chemo followed by 5 years of tamoxifin. I am grateful to be alive, for family and friends who have stood by me and for the inner strength I have which comes from God. I have learned so much from this experience. I have learned that I have had wonderful support from many people around me, some were total strangers. I learned that if you educate yourself that you don't feel like someone is telling you what to do rather you are in charge of your life. I also learned that for women with dense breasts there are NO fully accurate widely used tests or devices that can locate cancer growths in some women. I had a mammogram the day before my surgery and it DIDN'T show the cancer! If you are a woman with dense breasts INSIST that your doctor do an ultrasound EVERYTIME when he/she examines your breast for lumps or suspects lumps or when you have your yearly mammogram. You have to speak up for yourself. Even if it costs you money it is worth it. Lastly, once you have cried and cried some more, move on and give your energy to fighting the cancer and mending your body and NOT on feeling like a victim. You are alive and there is much in this world to be thankful for. Focus on that and you will see what a gift you have because you have had the chance to see and feel the beauty of life and you are around to enjoy it. Good Luck and God Bless You.

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