In 1968 I discovered a lump in my left breast. I went to Dr. to show him the lump which was very small at the time. I was told to wait six months and then come back, which I did. The Dr. then told me he couldn't detect the lump and to wait another six month. When he finally decided to do a biopsy I was taken to surgery and what I thought was to be a biopsy turned into a radical mastectomy. Needless to say when I recovered I was minus my left breast. I didn't have any chemo or radiation treatment. I went home with 51 stitches on my chest. At the time my husband was told I might live 5 more years. We had four little children at the time ranging from 10 to 3 years of age. I am happy to say I am here today in good health with very little bad results from the surgery. That was a long time ago, but my advise to anyone dealing with this is to get several opinions before making any decisions!

Wow that must have been an extremely difficult time for you!!! You are absolutely right, anyone should consider getting more than 1 opinion when it comes to any medical procedure or test!!!!

Also, CONGRATULATIONS Bettybee for all of you accomplishments! There is nothing more moving than an individual who has survived cancer! I do also have a personal experience I would like to share about getting more than 1 opinion!! My aunt, who was only about 45, was going through some tough times. She had shooting pain in her legs, back, and arms, and she just felt terrible all-over!!! After getting several tests done, the doctors could not find anything! She spent a couple of years going from doctors office to doctors office. She finally, about two years later, decided to go the Mayo clinic where she found out that she had bone marrow cancer some time later!!! What if this would have been found earlier??!!! I wonder how many people are diagnosed with cancer yearly?

Thanks for the nice words about my trying experience. I have tried to be supportive to anyone who has or did have cancer. It is a very scary ordeal.I must tell everyone to keep a bright outlook on life. It helps.

Bettybee! Congratulations on being a survior.I'm not sure if you realize that just sharing your experience with that word "CANCER" make you a hero to many.Your story gives people hope,and courage to realize that the word cancer doesnt always mean a death sentence. I'm sure you shared your experience over again and in doing so you have touched so many.You gave hope to people who thought they didn't have any left.
Keep sharing and know what a great thing you are doing!