I Am a Survivor of Breast Cancer

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I am proud to say that I am a survivor of breast cancer. The years since I discovered I had cancer have, in many ways, been the best part of my life.

My journey began when I signed up to play in a golf tournament for the benefit of the Breast Cancer Foundation when, ironically, I discovered a lump in one of my breasts. At the time I was more concerned with the tournament than the lump and I decided to only monitor it for any changes. Much to my chagrin, I noticed it was steadily growing. A friend suggested that I see a doctor. I procrastinated in doing so, prompting my concerned friend to call and make the appointment for me. Looking back now I probably would not have made it to the doctor if it weren't for the action of a friend who unknowingly played a key role in saving my life.

When I finally made it to a doctor, I was told the lump was unlikely to be cancer, but needed to be looked at nonetheless. My doctor reassured me that an "incisional biopsy" could be performed on an outpatient basis and that I would be able to return home that same day. I had the biopsy on a Friday and as I was recovering, still in a daze from the pain medication, I couldn't help but notice my doctor's furrowed brows as he asked me to return on Monday to go over the results. He went on to explain that I actually had two tumors, one masking the other. I was now faced with a double-threat, if you will, to my 4...

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...erved by the medical establishment. On May 11 we hope to draw 20,000 people and raise $1 million for the foundation. This is an event that not only educates the community on breast cancer awareness, but also empowers women to survive.

Today, at age 55, I can say that the most important things I have realized are my inner strength and the ability to put perspective on life. Now, I approach life knowing that it's our experiences that are most important, not how fast you can ski down the slope or playing your best golf game. It's being able to go down the slope and to have a good time doing it.

There is life after breast cancer, and I have discovered a fuller, richer one.

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