My name is Melody Wasson and I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer June 12th, 2008. I was only 28 years old. I knew my chances of developing breast cancer one day was a strong possibility. My great-grandmother passed away from breast cancer in her 40's and at the young age of 35, my mother was diagnosed. Thankfully, she is a 20 year survivor. Knowing my family history, I had my first mammogram at 25 years old. At age 26, I had my first child. Knowing that my husband and I wanted to add to our family, I felt it was necessary to get another mammogram prior to getting pregnant again. So, in May of 2008 I scheduled my second mammogram. Prior to this, I had been doing self exams monthly. Two weeks before my appointment, I felt a lump in my right breast. Because of my family history, I found this to be alarming, but still thought there was no way possible it could be breast cancer. The mammogram and biopsy that followed confirmed my worst fear. I had breast cancer. After my diagnosis, I was consumed with doctor's appointments. I decided right away that I would beat this just as my mom had and that I would be more aggressive than the cancer.

Shortly after my diagnosis I was tested for the breast cancer gene. I tested positive for the BRCA 1, Knowing that my odds for breast cancer were so high, I decided to take drastic steps to ensure that I would never have to face breast cancer again. I was not going to allow breast cancer to take my life. I had a daughter that needed her mother and a husband that needed his wife. On July 16th, 2008, I had a bilateral mastectomy. Thankfully, it was determined at that time that my cancer had not spread beyond the breast. Because of my young age and the aggressiveness of my cancer, it was determined that I needed chemotherapy which I began in August. I had a total of 8 treatments every two weeks for 16 weeks. Although each treatment was hard on my body and there were times that I wanted to give up, I knew that I was going to prevail and beat breast cancer. Shortly after my last chemotherapy treatment, I had my reconstruction surgery. After my surgery I felt as if I had read the last chapter of a long book. My journey with breast cancer was over and I had survived. Praise God!

Throughout my battle with breast cancer, I knew I had the power to impact other young women facing the same thing I was. The day after my diagnosis I created a blog. The blog was designed to document every aspect of my journey. I wanted a place to share my story and an opportunity to give other women hope in a time of such despair. Now that my journey with breast cancer is complete, I want to be that source of encouragement that I desperately needed when I was first diagnosed. I thank God everyday for healing me and I pray that one day there will be a cure. God Bless!

www.myfightagainstbreastcancer.com

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