Anne Royal Witte, Diagnosed at 35
I had a small dimple on my breast that looked like an indentation from wearing my bra too long. When it didn’t go away, my family doctor ordered a mammogram, and within two days, I had my diagnosis. Ten days later, I had my surgery, followed by chemotherapy.
I consider myself a very positive individual, both professionally and personally. It’s been very hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. I was active, healthy and ran a half marathon four months prior to my diagnosis. Since my surgery, I have only been able to run twice and starting over has been difficult. I also gained 15 pounds due to the steroids and chemotherapyinduced menopause.
Even with all of this, I have learned coping strategies and I keep telling myself that no one’s road is easy and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
My advice for young women is to pay attention to your body! Don’t just “watch” something for indefinite periods of time. It’s your body and your life - nothing matters more. I did what I had to do to be here for my husband and son. I try to live by the motto, “Why not?” I believe anything can happen as long as we believe in ourselves and stay focused. Nothing is impossible.
Jerino J. Brown, Diagnosed at 37
I found a lump under my arm while I was doing my routine breast self check. I made an appointment with my family doctor and was sent to a surgeon for a biopsy. They diagnosed me with stage two breast cancer.
When I first learned of my diagnosis, I was in denial. When my mind finally absorbed it, I cried and went into depression because I thought of it as a death sentence. After much prayer, soul searching and seeking God, I was able to cope with and face my diagnosis head on.
My advice to young women is to do a regular breast self exam. If you notice anything that feels different, have it checked out immediately. I am a three-year breast cancer survivor and am living my life to its fullest. Breast cancer is not a death sentence if caught in time. I am grateful to be cancer-free and able to be here for my children.
Find a Women's Imaging Specialist
To receive a digital mammogram or other women's imaging service, please call the Women's Breast Health and Imaging Center at 803-641-5065 for more information or 803-641-5808 to schedule an appointment.