Michelle’s Story (Breast Cancer)

I turned 40 in 2009 and I decided to go have a mammogram. Normally I put things like this off. It had been a few years since I had even been for my yearly womanly doctor visit, but for some reason since I turned that magical age where they tell you that you should get a mammogram, I decided to go ahead with it.

I have no family history of breast cancer and never gave a thought to having breast cancer. To my surprise, they immediately saw something on my mammogram. I was sent straight to a breast surgeon who scheduled me for a lumpectomy. A week later, I found out I did indeed have stage 1 breast cancer. I was scheduled for another surgery to remove more tissue and I had to have my lymph nodes removed. Thankfully those came back clear.

After that I went through 6 weeks of radiation treatment daily. I could not have gotten through this journey without the support of my family and friends. I got a clean bill of health after my radiation treatments and now I bug my girlfriends and any stranger that will listen on how important it is to do yearly mammograms and monthly checkups! If I had not gone in for my first mammogram because I turned 40, I have no doubt I may not be here today.

Michelle
Missouri
Submitted 04-04-2012

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.