I was never one to do a self exam since I have such fatty breast tissue. But I did one in September 2008 on a whim and to my surprise there was a lump. I waited a week or so to go to the doctor since I had my period, I prayed it was just the normal changes that happen during that time. I was wrong. I went to primary that immediately sent me for an ultrasound, followed by a mammogram and a BSGI, all done in one day. I knew right away that I had cancer.

Treatment: Mastectomy, Chemotherapy

I was never one to do a self exam since I have such fatty breast tissue. But I did one in September 2008 on a whim and to my surprise there was a lump. I waited a week or so to go to the doctor since I had my period, I prayed it was just the normal changes that happen during that time. I was wrong. I went to primary that immediately sent me for an ultrasound, followed by a mammogram and a BSGI, all done in one day. I knew right away that I had cancer.

When two doctors come into a room to discuss your mammogram and request you have one more test you just know. After these tests were done (October 15, 2009) I had to have an MRI done followed by a biopsy. My doctor during this time was very upfront and honest. I asked point blank "Do you think I have cancer" she said unofficially yes. On October 31, 2009, I received the phone call no woman wants to get, your biopsy came back positive. Now to make like of the situation, I called my mom to ask if this meant I have cancer, since the doctor didn't say "cancer.”

I'm a blonde, so I had a blonde moment. My tumor was 4.5cm, so I had to have adjuvant chemo along with Herceptin before any surgery. I began Chemo on December 22,2009. I lost my hair within two weeks of chemo. My three sons were so strong and thought I was cool with my newly bald head. My sons were 11, 7 and 5 at the time. I did scare my niece and nephew, as well as a few of the neighborhood kids. But they all got used to it.

I finished up Chemo on April 16, 2009 and had a radical double mastectomy on May 7, 2009. I still had to have my Herceptin treatments once every 3 weeks until December. I also had to have two months of radiation. In January 2010, I had my first reconstruction surgery. I opted to have the TRAM Flap surgery along with an implant. The tram was done to recreate the left breast and the implant will be put in the right breast (this to be done on 4/14). I will have lipo and my nipples done by the end of the summer. This was a shocking and unexpected diagnosis for me. No family history and I am fairly healthy.

At 34, my first concern was my boys. How do explain to them what is going on and what will happen. But my husband and family were there to support me. The one thing you don’t think about is how I am going to pay for this. I have insurance, but it doesn't cover my doctor visits or my plastic surgeon, so I am left to pay those bills.

The bills mount and you do what you can but it will never be enough. Breast cancer affected my whole family and my outlook on life. I realized what is important and who is not. You see people in a new light. I see my husband in a new way as well as my sons.

Staying positive and having a good outlook as well as a support system really make all the difference!