I have been called Betty Boob all my life and didn’t make the connection until later  when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dec. 2008.  It had been two years since I had had a mammogram but it hadn’t been on my radar because I was taking care of my 89 year old mom and running two businesses.

When I went in for my first mammogram in Nov. 2008, they called me back because I was so photogenic…yeah, right.  After the 2nd mammogram, they asked me to return for a needle biopsy.  I began to get a little concerned because this sounded suspicious to me.  They had found a very small tumor right behind the left breast and wanted to do more testing.

Just so you will know, one out of every three women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  But keep in mind, there are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors today.

I don’t mean to scare any one about the needle biopsy but it was one of the most difficult procedures I have ever had to experience…and probably will not do this again.  I was pulled, squeezed, mashed, and tortured that when the doctor came in, he replied the needle might sting.  I looked at the doctor and said…Doctor, this tit is so traumatized I am not going to feel a thing…but let’s get one thing clear.  You had better get all you want and all you need because you are NOT coming back for seconds…do you understand?  He got the picture.

Yes, I was diagnosed with DCIS, one of the best cancers to have because it is non invasive and not life threatening.  Lesson learned:  as my husband said when he was diagnosed: Betty we are going to play out this hand that has been dealt.  Guess what…these were my thoughts as well.