Survivor stories: Tina Riehn

Age diagnosed: 44 years and 3 months.

How long did you battle breast cancer? About a month, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 31, 2008. They did a lumpectomy or partial mastectomy as they call it and took it all out. Due to the tumor's depth, around 9 centimeters, I was a perfect candidate for the new Mammosite radiation (where they treat just that breast area to keep it from coming back in the future). On Oct. 20, 2008, they did surgery and then Mammosite radiation started twice a day from Oct. 27 through Oct. 31, 2008. I'm celebrating five years breast cancer-free this October.

What was the hardest part? That I had breast cancer, Stage II. If they had not found it on my mammogram, it would have been years before I would have felt it myself. Realizing that with God's help the doctors had found it and that I would be a survivor! Every year when you go for a test or tests it is always in your mind that they found cancer once -- maybe it will be back and you pray not or for the support to keep fighting. So far I have been clear and good every year!

What advice would you give to other women? Do not skip your annual mammogram! My lump was so small and deep that a normal person and even the doctors could not feel it when doing a normal self breast exam -- it showed up on the mammogram only. Keeping a positive outlook is also important -- I will be a cancer survivor! Friends and family support is wonderful -- don't be afraid to talk with them. Early detection when (a lump is) very small is an important key in your fight to have a long life and to be a cancer survivor!