I was facing my 40th birthday and a friend told me I should have a mammogram. Guess what? Breast cancer.
I decided from the start to have a positive attitude so I had surgery three times until my oncologist finally decided the margins were right. They put me on tamoxifen and started six weeks of radiation.
This was the hardest time for me. I have three daughters and they were terrific. I was always tired and never had the strength to do everyday things, so they all pitched in and really helped me. My grandmother lives with us and every day after my treatment she would have dinner ready. My mother-in-law would cook for us and bring it over. My husband was also terrific. He would take me every night for my radiation treatment and afterward make sure I had whatever I needed. He would call me at work every day to make sure I was OK.
I thank God every day for my friend Gert who made me go to the doctor. Ladies, get those exams for your sake if not for your family's. If you won't go to a doctor, do a self-exam. You know your body and can tell if there are any changes. Catch it early; don't wait until it's too late.
The one thing I have learned is never to give in to your fears. Face it head-on with a positive attitude, and you can beat breast cancer.
JRJVIV is a 41-year-old bus driver living in California. She can be reached at JRJVIV@aol.com.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent medical advice or the views of ThirdAge Media.
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One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The ThirdAge We Care Campaign tells how you can help make a difference.
