Christine’s Story (Breast Cancer)

I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed. It wasn’t even that I found a lump, per say, but I kept having this “full” feeling in my left breast like after I had my kids and my milk was coming in.  It was a very strange feeling. This went on for several months and I just kept thinking it would go away on its own. Finally one day I decided to ask my husband’s opinion and we decided I should to the OB doctor who, in turn, sent me for a mammogram. I almost didn’t even go have the mammogram because I didn’t want to have to pay my deductible but something deep inside said that this had to be done. The first mammogram showed a mass, but my OB doctor wanted me to go see a breast specialist and have the mammogram repeated which they did along with a biopsy. You know it’s bad when they say “I will be really surprised if this not cancer”.  Then on March 13 (a Friday none the less) 2009 I got the dreaded call – Stage III breast cancer.

I went through 4 months of chemo followed by a double mastectomy, because all be damned if this was coming back in the right breast, followed by 2 months of radiation every day! I have since had a (B) tram flap reconstruction and have been given a clean bill of health!!!!

But what a whirlwind these last 2 years have been – so many surgeries and doctors appointments. Through the whole thing I could not have asked for any better friends, family, even strangers, and most of all my kids and husband, everyone was so caring. My only downfall was that I don’t like people waiting on me, therefore, it was very hard to take it easy and let people wait on me – that is just not my style.

I tell everyone I know that you may think those self breast exams are silly but if I had let mine go much further it may have been too late. I knew I was going to beat this thing so before I started chemo I went and got a pink ribbon tattoo that had “Survivor” on it because I knew I was not going to let this bring me down. I knew I would fight like a girl and beat this thing!!!

Christine
Missouri
Submitted 10-1-11

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.