My story begins in the year 2005.  I noticed a lump in my right breast but didn't think too much of it as I had a lumpectomy in that breast 14 years prior and I was sure it was just scar tissue in that area.  After all, that area always did feel funny to me.  So I ignored it somewhat but would feel it often to see if it was still there.  It never left.  I was due for my mammogram but kept putting it off as I had been having them since the age of 28 (lots of cancer in our family but no breast cancer) so figured I was fine a year ago so why hurry.  AND, I knew I was fine anyway.  Finally I made the appointment.  Mid June I was to go in for my annual mammogram.  I wasn't going to even mention the lump (stupid I know) because I'm the type of person who thinks "why open a can of worms for no reason."  After all, if there is anything there they will let me know.  But for some reason (God's nudging?) I did tell the "tech" that I had a lump in my right breast, right above the nipple area and she should let the radiologist know this for when he read the film.  She stuck a sticker on the area and off we went to mammogramville!!!!!!  She came back in and said the radiologist didn't see anything but they wanted to do a more concentrated picture of that area to check further.  They did and again, the radiologist saw nothing.  THANKFULLY, I mentioned the lump.  Because I said something, and the tech could feel it too an ultrasound was ordered to "make sure" it was nothing.  Well, long story short.................it was something.

The phone call that changed my life came on June 24, 2005.   At the age of 45 my gynecologist called me and said "I'm so sorry Mary Jo, but you have breast cancer."   I about had a heart attack.  I was home alone and just kept repeating to my doctor that I couldn't have breast cancer.  I am a healthy person ~ things don't happen to me like this ~ I don't want to have cancer.  After he listened to me he took charge and told me he'd made all my arrangements with a surgeon, an oncologist and also (thank God) recommended that I get a second opinion in Milwaukee (which is about an hour away from where we live).    I met with all the above people and my husband and I decided on sticking with all my care in Milwaukee.

I had a right breast mastectomy on July 28, 2005.  I opted out of reconstruction because I didn't really care about that.  My husband and I were fine with "it" being gone and doing more surgery wasn't what I'd enjoy doing so I didn't.  Prosthesis are fine for me.  When my pathology report came back I was told I had IDC (invasive ductal cell carcinoma) ~ tumor size was 4 cm - no vascular involvement - clear margins.  Two sentinel nodes were removed and initially we were told there was no cancer in them.  After the nodes were gone over more thoroughly 1 microscopic cell was found in first node.  I was er/pr negative and her2 neu +++.  All of that meant nothing to me.  BUT, I learned in a hurry.

I started chemo August 24, 2005 and finished it Nov. 30, 2005.  I did 4 dose dense A/C and 4 dose dense taxol/ herceptin.  Herceptin was given every 3 weeks for 1 full year.  I just celebrated my 2 year anniversary NED and am enjoying the heck out of life.

I guess I could go on and on and on.  But I won't.  I'll say this though, cancer has changed me.  It's changed me for the better.  There was a time I thought I'd never smile or laugh again.  I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My life has become a whirlwind of living, enjoying, mentoring and loving.  I wouldn't trade a day of what I've went through.  Not a day.  Although, there was a time at the beginning I would have given anything to have my "old life back."   Not anymore though.  My life has taken on a new meaning.  God has taught me about true trust and dependence on Him.  He's taught me that "control" is something we don't have.   Cancer happens to all kinds of people from all walks of life.  There is no rhyme or reason as to why.  Of course, we have a responsibility to care of ourselves, eat right and exercise but even that doesn't guarantee anything.  So the best we can do is take what's given to us and do the best we can with what is thrown our way.  I've found that living life means more to me than ever before.

My life verse is "For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and were called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28 When the going got tough that verse helped me through many of rough spots and still does at times.

God Bless you with His peace.