August 22, 2006, I did everything imaginable to talk myself out of my yearly mammogram. It was too expensive, it was also fine, I didn't have time, etc...but something that day prompted me to go ahead and get it "out of the way". As ususal after my mammogram, I was called back in for a second mammogram (because I have lots of fibroids). I still was blowing it off and really ticked now that I had to go back "again" but I knew my world had changed the minute the radiologist walked in instead of the nurse. He told me he didn't like what he saw and wanted to schedule me for a biopsy. We did and low and behold, it was cancer. I will never forget that day or that phone call. Well, after many, many tests, 2 lumpectomies, chemotherapy and radiation. I am here to say "whoo who, I made it". I am so blessed. My husband and 11 year old son have been right by my side through the whole trip. My family have been so supportive and friends that I didn't even know I had have all come out to meet the challenge. My doctors were the best and did everything they could to make sure that I had the best care. It was a long hard road, but I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel and all looks well. The Susan Komen Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Illinois Cancercare, and the Center for Healthy Living have all been wonderful and supplied great and helpful information to aid me through my battle. I have so much to live for, I look at this experience as another rock in the pathway of life. I am thankful for this experience with cancer because now I take each day for whatever it might bring. I try to be friendly and smile alot. I try to think of others and what kind of hardships they might be going through too. Each day is a gift and each moment with my husband and child is a true blessing. I wouldn't trade those blessings for anything. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this great contest. Karen Johnson
The support of family is the true key to surviving.
Gallery
I didn't think it could happen to me!
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