Joyce Griffey

In April of 2005, I found a lump while showering. For at least 3 weeks, I pretended that it was just my imagination. Since it was right on my breast bone, I tried to convince myself that it was just the bone. But it continued to grow, and eventually I contacted my doctor.  I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on June 9th, 2005. I had a lumpectomy and sentinal Node Biopsy. I also underwent radiation and took Tamoxifen as part of my treatment.

How did I get through it? My daughter put on her “warrior hat” and researched everything for me, my husband was by my side, and my son gave me big hugs whenever I needed them.  I had wonderful friends, four sisters who contacted me often, and a large network of people I had met as a result of participating in the Breast Cancer 3-day walks the five years before my diagnosis.  My oldest sister is a two time breast cancer survivor, so she was the one who assured me I could get through it all.

What would I tell the newly diagnosed woman today? I would tell her that the waiting (for tests, pathology reports, doctor’s appointments, etc) is the absolute worst part. Once you know what you’re facing, you can get in the fight, and take it one step at a time.  I’d also tell her that there is new hope for a cure every day.