Breast Cancer Awareness

Seventeen years ago I received the news that I had breast cancer after a routine physical and subsequent mammogram. Thank God for early intervention; it's the surest way to survive breast cancer.

However, hearing such a diagnosis was a devastating blow! My emotions ran from disbelief to fury -- and all in the space of about an hour. My first thought was to say "no" to the mastectomy; my wiser decision was to fight and fight hard. I had a God who loved me and would not desert me; I was a single mom with three kids: 10, 11 and 15. I had a man who loved me. I had things to live for.

I did suffer mental anguish after the mastectomy. I knew my body was not pretty, but I forced myself to accept what must be accepted and take the next step. My boyfriend became my source of strength and comfort, encouraging me to fight, reassuring me, protecting me. After reconstructive surgery, I liked what I saw. I felt totally whole and have never looked back. We can be restored to wholeness and health.

It is possible to beat this monster but it takes determination as well as support from your family, friends and physicians. I urge everyone to be aware, to be diligent about yearly physicals, to accept the momentary discomfort of a mammogram. And, should you hear the word "cancer," determine that you will fight the fight and convince yourself that you will win.

You can do it.

------

Brenda101 is a 60-year-old testing coordinator living in Houston, Texas.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent medical advice or the views of ThirdAge Media.