Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed at age 42...
I did not have a history in our family of Breast Cancer. Insurance, and physician guidelines at the time, were mammograms could begin at age 40 but then follow up every other year. My Physician said it should be every year, so this year was paid out of pocket.
I had a lumpectomy and radiation only
Radiation was daily for 5 weeks and one week of "spot" treatment.
heard my story and asked me to be a part of their crusade to speak to congress, get the word out to politicians that Women (and men) in rural areas (Arkansas) need to have access to quality health care.
Lump was detected on mammogram
Further testing and biopsy showed it was cancer. I had another area of calcifications that had to be tested, these were negative.
Survivor became my new definition of who I was
It is amazing how you realize how important getting annual mammograms are. You realize not everyone can afford them, if insurance doesn't cover them. You realize the importance of early detection for a better quality of life outcome. This gave me my voice to speak out on women's health and hvingaccess to medical Imaging.
I spoke to a Congressional Presser
I was asked to come to Washington DC and speak at a Capitol Presser, to convey the importance of having access to medical imaging in 2009. That can be viewed here Capitol Presser
