Cindy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

While going to college, at 39 years old, for surgical technology, I had a mammogram followed by a needle biopsy and then a surgical biopsy. Fortunately for me it was detected early and was also contained within a milk gland so it couldn’t spread, thus requiring no chemotherapy or radiation.

I took five weeks off from school and had a bilateral mastectomy. After recovering for five weeks, I went right back to school and finished my requirements for graduation. I am now a surgical technologist, where I will be doing these surgical procedures and many more.

I am very thankful for my life. I never ask God, “why me?” I ask God, “why did I get to survive breast cancer and so many do not?” My heart breaks for the many who fought for as long as they could and lost the battle. I love the Fight Like a Girl Club. No one else I know has had a bilateral mastectomy. It seems like nobody understands how I feel about the way my chest looks. I am scheduled for reconstruction soon. I plan to use the gift of survival to help, support, and raise awareness. I will always fight like a girl !!!

Cindy
Virginia
Submitted 3-19-2013

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.