Candice Nagel

I remember laying in bed on a Saturday morning and feeling a lump on my left breast - telling my husband "Great, I'm going to get mastitis again!"  I was breast feeding our 5 month old twin boys and overnight my lump had appeared.  It was painful, it moved and it bruised (not typical signs of cancer).  I called my lactation consultant who told me to take Motrin 24/7 for a week because it was most likely a plugged milk duct.  The weeks following I had an ultrasound which led to a biopsy.  On May 2, 2002, I was called in to the doctor's office to hear the words "You have breast cancer."  I was 29 years old.  I was devastated and shocked to say the least.  I had the support of my mom and dad, my husband, and my twins who were by that time 8 months old.  Everything was a blur.  Six days later I went in for surgery and had a mastectomy.  I was diagnosed with stage IIb breast cancer.  A couple of weeks later I started aggressive chemo.  It was tough but I tried to smile and stay positive.  I lost my hair but joked I always had a good hair day with my wig.  After chemo was radiation (that was a piece of cake compared to chemo).  A year after that, I had a prophylactic mastectomy with hi-lateral reconstruction.  It's amazing to say that I am an 8 year survivor!!!

About a year after I was diagnosed, I received a call from Marilyn Watson asking me to be in  a calendar supporting Michelle's Place.  I met other survivors and began to form friendships with them along with the volunteers of Michelle's Place.  My mom started volunteering in the office weekly.  I've realized how therapeutic it is for me to tell my story, support and bond with other survivors, that's what Michelle's Place does for me.  I have made wonderful friends over the years and cherish them like family.

Breast cancer has changed my life.  It has made me appreciate life and not want to take things for granted.  I am thankful for my little angels - Seth & Justin - that I found my lump as quickly as I did.  They kept me strong.  I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends for all their help and support.  I thank GOD everyday for blessing me with a wonderful life!

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