Betsy's Personal Story as a Cancer Survivor

I had my first mamo in 1990 at the request of my old family doctor when I went for a physical. He would devote 2 hrs. to you; going over all previous ordered blood tests, etc. When I found what I thought was a cyst, I had to change Drs. because of HMO insurance. Both my sister and my youngest daughter had had to have several cysts removed; so I was in no hurry to go see about it. Mine was about 2., but it was a rare cancer; not known to spread.

It was such a shock; I questioned whether the Drs. had really made the right diagnosis. Being of the old school, I thought it had to be taken out right away; and as both Drs. were on vacation when I got the results-- had no one to talk too. Needless to say, all worked out okay, but without my friends on the survivors; just lurking for so many months; actually for a year or so, they were there and I knew I wasn't alone. I started asking questions of the Drs. and got copies of my tests. With the help of so many, I didn't feel alone anymore. So anyone out there who needs a shoulder to cry on and just someone to talk to, we are here for you. You don't have to go through it alone. Didn't think it would happen to me, it did.

Betsy in Indiana, USA