Dear Reader:

At 27 years old, my life was interrupted by breast cancer. I am sharing my story because I feel African Americans in particular need to pay attention to their health. Before I was diagnosed, I never did self-exams. I just did not take time for myself. All people need to realize we are not too black, too white, or too whatever to get sick. It can happen to anyone. I hope my story will touch someone and help them.

This is my story...

I came home from work, tired and worn out as usual. However, this time, my left side was extremely sore. I rubbed under my arm and my breast and that was when I discovered a huge lump in my left breast. I immediately ran into my mother's room and showed her the lump. She advised me to go the doctor the next morning.

Little did I know that my life would take a different direction. I visited the doctor, he did a physical exam, and ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound, and he referred me to a surgeon. He did a needle biopsy. An hour later, I discovered I had breast cancer. I was numb the whole day. I could not even think straight.

A week later, I had a mastectomy. However, I did not care about losing a breast. I just wanted the tumor gone. After the surgery, the results were that I had invasive DSIS with one positive lymph node. I was sad and happy. Sad that I had undergo chemotherapy, happy that I only one lymph node. Before I started chemo, I decided to change my diet to include six (6) servings of fruits/ vegetables a day and a vitamin program.

As of this writing, I am still doing chemo, but I have not gotten sick thanks to God's grace and the prayers of friends and family. Sometimes I still ask myself, why me. But then I say why not me? There are women with worse problems and I try to remind my self. At times, I feel like an elderly woman in a young girl's body because what I have had to deal with. But it has made me a seasoned veteran to the realities of life.

I never really cried about this diagnosis. I decided to take my energy into research and helping out others. I had the privilege of speaking on a local television show with my surgeon.

I also want to say to all my fellow young survivors; we will beat this and we will continue fighting to win this battle.

I have learned so much about cancer since my diagnosis. I have created resources for ALL people on my website. Please visit my web page at:

She Speaks

Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

Lori Peterson
Creator of She Speaks...

E-mail: shespeaksnc@hotmail.com
Or joypete@bellsouth.net