Gail Hagans-Williams

 Cont.

Edward for 44 years and we have one son, Edward, Jr. 

My journey began in August 2001. After my annual mammogram in July, I received a call asking me to return for a repeat mammogram. I didn’t think anything of it until the radiologist called and advised me to see a breast specialist. I then made an appointment with the physician who performed a biopsy. He later informed me that I had breast cancer. I really didn’t believe it at first, as no one in my family had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Of course my husband was with me at the time for moral support.

The physician said my cancer was very small, about one cm, and he recommended I have a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. After surgery I underwent six weeks of radiation on my left breast. The treatments left me very tired but I managed to get through
them. I was also put in contact with the support group, “Reach to Recovery.” This was a group of breast cancer survivors who helped me through thisordeal. Some of them even volunteered to drive me to my treatments and we became friends. 

I feel very blessed that my cancer was detected very early, was very small, and did not involve my lymph nodes. I continue to get my annual
mammograms which have been good.

My faith, family and friends have carried me through this journey for eleven years. I want to thank everyone for their continued love and prayers. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13 NKJV