Mildred Teitelbaum - Breast Cancer
Mildred Teitelbaum was proactive about mammograms, getting her first one in her late 30's. That baseline exam was OK, but the second mammogram changed her life. "I was getting ready to celebrate my 40th birthday when the mammogram confirmed breast cancer," she says. "It came out of the blue!"
Mildred didn't feel a lump or experience any other symptoms. Because the tumor was small, she was able to undergo a lumpectomy and radiation, and avoid chemotherapy. "I received a lot of support from my husband and family," she says, "but I didn't tell my friends at first. When I did, I was so thankful for their help. I realized cancer is nothing to be ashamed of."
She was cancer-free for eight years when lightning struck again. A mole removed during a routine skin exam turned out to be malignant melanoma. "I was lucky once, but wasn't sure if I would be this time." Luck was on her side once again--the melanoma was removed and a sentinel node biopsy came up negative. Soon afterward, she and her husband Ronald took up scuba diving. "I've learned that life is to be enjoyed, and I'm taking the time to do the things I love."