Joy Grady-Hilton

Survivor

How could this be?

I’ve always been on time with my physicals, Every April like clockwork. 

April 2013 was different when I went for the annual mammogram, or “boob squeeze” is what we’d say as a joke, knowing it was all for maintaining good health. Something was suspicious again, like last year, like the year before, so what was the big deal about have to go back and have a reshoot. 

This time it was different and the reshoot turned into an ultrasound, then a biopsy, then the diagnosis of Stage I, ER+, PR+ and HER2-. “Well,” I said, “let’s get this taken care of” as my partner was crying, I was planning. My Doctor gave choices and I chose the bi-lateral removal with reconstruction and anti-hormone therapy. 

April 24, 2013 I started my journey. June 5, 2013 my breasts were removed and expanders were put in to stretch the skin for implants. October the expanders were removed and the healing started once more with newly constructed nipples and implants that would not have to be filled anymore. 

Doctor appointments are few and far between, I will take the arimidex for 4 more years and live. Enjoying time with family, grand babies and the little things that time can take away when not managed. I’m a healthy woman today at 56! Early detection is so very important. Please keep your appointments and be actively involved in your breast health.