Image - Vicki -- Mastectomy

Age 37 at diagnosis (1991)
Age 43 in photo (1997)

Because of a very close friend I had the distinct advantage of knowing what I would look like after surgery, so I was not surprised or shocked.

After agonizing over the choices, I came to the conclusion that all I wanted was symmetry. I decided to have my other breast removed to achieve my goal.

Update 2000

I have direction! I have found a newborn passion for living...

As I look back (almost nine years) the experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer has been amazing. I wouldn't change a thing. Seriously, I would make the same surgical choice today. Our lives are ever changing. Living with breast cancer has made me very aware of this fact. My life is more fulfilled because of this diagnosis. Nurturing, maintaining and understanding relationships are so important.

I have direction! I have found a newborn passion for living and an awareness of the importance of sharing information with other women about maintaining their health.

My hope is that in the near future this book will become obsolete because breast cancer will no longer pose a threat to all women!

Photos courtesy of Show Me (2nd Edition), A Photo Collection of Breast Cancer Survivors' Lumpectomies, Mastectomies, Breast Reconstructions and Thoughts on Body Image. Show Me is a visual resource book presenting color photographs of and commentary from thirty breast cancer survivors mostly from Penn State Hershey Medical Center's Breast Cancer Support Group in Hershey, PA. To order a copy of this incredible resource, visit the The Penn State Hershey Medical Center's Women's Health web site.