I remember the day June 6, 2003, in vivid detail. As I sat in the doctor’s examining room with my husband, I was speechless as I heard the words “ductal carcinoma in situ” (DCIS). I did not understand all of the words, but I was well aware of the meaning of “carcinoma”. It was the word no one ever wants to hear his or her doctor saying. The doctor proceeded to say that I was one of the lucky ones. I would have to take his word on that, because right then I did not feel so lucky.

I had just had surgery the previous week to remove a papilloma that was discovered after having experienced a discharge from my breast. I had been told by my doctor not to worry, because most papillomas are benign. Removing it was a precautionary measure that I needed to take. I had in fact not worried about it. After all, I had none of the risk factors for breast cancer. I had just had a clear mammogram 3 months earlier. As it turned out, the papilloma was benign, but cancer cells were discovered beside it. The cancer diagnosis presented me with options for treatment and making that decision was a personal journey in itself. After many sleepless nights, research, and conversations with myself, I had to come to the decision that I felt was best for me. I felt God answered my prayer for guidance and when I made the decision to have a mastectomy, a peace came over me.

It turned out the doctor was right. I was a lucky one. Due to the early detection of my breast cancer and decision to have a mastectomy, I did not need to have any further treatment because the cancer had not spread. It may have been luck, but I prefer to think that I was blessed! I was also blessed with great support from family and friends.

It seems that everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Everyone’s story is unique and it continually amazes me how strong and kind human beings are in difficult times. One survivor friend told me that she thanks God every day for her breast cancer. At the time I thought, “Wow, will I ever be at that point?” I am grateful to say that, yes; I am now at that point in my journey. Having a health crisis of any sort helps a person set priorities and appreciate the good things in life.

For the past 6 years I have been a team caption of “Sal’s Team Hope” for the Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure. Through all the great continual support surrounding me from family and friends, in 2008 our team won the prize for the largest Family and Friends Team. I support the race because I am a firm believer in early detection. Thanks to the monies raised at the local Komen race, any woman in the area is able to have a free mammogram. I want all women with breast cancer to be able to hear their doctors telling them that they are one of the lucky ones because their cancer was found early.