I found out in February 2009 that I had breast cancer. I was terrified. I thought I was going to die. I went to my neighbor who I knew had it years before and talked with her for hours. I had my lumpectomy. The doctor kept telling me that I caught it early and it was very small, however I still needed chemo and radaiation. I decided that I was not going to consider myself a victim and that I was going to be in control. So I had my hair shaved off and bought a blonde wig (see picture of me, brown is my natural color). I proceeded with my chemo treatments which was not fun, however the worst was the side effects from the "Nulasta" shot I got with each chemo. But I made it through. I did 33 days of radiation treatment (which after the nulasta) was nothing for me. So I made it through. I worked 90% of the time through this even when I felt terrible. I was determined that I was going to be in control and decide how I was going to live through this. I was not going to give in and let it decide for me. It is now September and I still wear my wigs because I don't have my hair back yet but it is ok because I am alive and well. I still worry that it will come back because that is my biggest fear now but with the help of my friends and family reminding me of my inner strength, I put the thoughts out of my mind and continue to live. I try not to think about it and I think only of my future. I think about my daughter's upcoming wedding and the grandchildren she will give me one day. I think about the Aruba trip I am taking next month. And I think about the "cure" that will one day eliminate the fear that evey woman is terrified of hearing, that they have breast cancer.