Sandra Sellnow

I never expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I resisted mammograms, I'm 68 and there was no history of breast cancer in my family. Why do I need that discomfort? At my doctor's behest, finally decided to go in for one on February 14, Valentine's Day. Two days later, I was shocked to get a message to contact my doctor. I knew immediately that the news would not be good. I went in for the mammogram, sonogram and finally the dreaded biopsy. Within a week I met my wonderful oncologist and started treatment. I found out that I had ductal, Her2 and estrogen-induced cancer. The following week had a lumpectomy and started on chemo a few days later. Within 2 weeks my hair started coming out in handfuls. I had remembered the advice to "go ahead and get rid of it" rather than having gobs of hair falling out all over the place. So, the next day I said goodbye to my hair, got an electric razor and started the procedure. I had to start the process myself, just giving me a bit of control over the loss of control caused by cancer. My husband finished the job. I made it through chemo and, a week later started radiation. That is mostly behind me now; I still have to go in for an infusion of Herceptin every three weeks until March for the Her2 diagnosis and started taking medication for the estrogen-induced cancer. I refused to give up my activities and continued bowling, walking the dogs and other things as much as I could. People tell me that I'm an "inspiration" but I know that it is my determination to win over this dreaded disease and not be a victim! The fight began in February and will continue forever. My hair is coming in pure white and very curly. It will be interesting to see how I look in a few months. Needless to say I no longer resist mammograms and am thankful for my doctor's persistence forcing me to finally get one. We have to work together to find a cure and get rid of all types of cancer forever.