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I’ve only had on person in my life affected by the disease, and I’m so thrilled that she’s still with us! I can’t tell you how much I learned watching her take on that fight and never once letting it take charge. I always knew she was strong, but I don’t think anyone knew just how much until faced with that challenge.

I know for a lot of women, that’s not how the story ends. I do not have a family history at all, and I pray that I don’t start a trend.

I once made the stupid mistake of finding a lump and waiting four weeks to call my doctor because I was scared. STUPID!! It turned out to be nothing, but the relief I felt in getting that exam outweighed an ounce of the fear that caused my hesitation. Don’t do the same. Do regular self-exams, have regular annual exams with your doctor, and talk to him to find out when it’s best for you to start getting regular mammograms.