Bethany Winters

Survivor

I was diagnosed with Stage IIB IDC after finding a golf ball sized lump in my left breast. This after a crystal clear mammogram just 11 months earlier. I subsequently tested positive for the RAD 51 genetic mutation and underwent 16 rounds of chemo over five months. This was followed by a (staged) bilateral mastectomy, removal of 12 lymph nodes, reconstruction and a total hysterectomy. I would tell women four things; examine you breasts. Regularly. Accept help. You will have to. Grow comfortable in the unknown; cancer is a daily journey that you often have to take a moment at a time. Allow yourself to grieve. You don’t always have to be strong and processing is part of your healing.