Breast Cancer Awareness Spotlight: Laura Long
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re honored to continue highlighting the incredible women of Royal American who have faced breast cancer with courage, grace, and unwavering strength.
Laura Long shared her story with us:
“NO cancer diagnosis should ever be considered minimal; however, my cancer story is about as minimal and miraculous as you can have.
In September 2018, I had decided to change doctors and get a complete physical examination. This included my very first mammogram (that’s correct, I had never had one before). The results, I had a small mass in my left breast. I was sent to a surgeon for a biopsy; when the results came back as Stage 0/ DCIS/ ER+ (Stage 0 – Ductal carcinoma in situ, estrogen positive) I was totally shocked. There has never been any breast cancer in my family.
On October 10, 2018 I was scheduled for surgery but as most of you know, Hurricane Michael changed many of our plans. So, in November 2018 I had surgery to remove the tumor, followed by six weeks of daily radiation treatments and five years of hormone blocker medication. Luckily for me, since the cancer tumor was stage 0, I did not need any chemotherapy. The surgeon and the oncologist stressed to me that it is almost unheard of to find a cancer tumor that early.
By the grace of God and listening to my body, my cancer journey was less radical when compared to most. Early detection is key; get those mammograms and self-check regularly. If something feels off, get checked!!”
Thank you to all of the women who allowed us to share their stories. We are thankful for your willingness to share!
Oh Mrs. Laura we love you and thank you for sharing your testimony. What an amazing story!!
Thank you Laura for sharing your experience, braving the uncertainties and being a survivor. You are awesome.
Feeling inspired by the strength of Breast Cancer survivors like Laura! Although it was a unique case and stage 0 your story reminds me how important it is to get checked and stay informed. I’ve gained new knowledge here. Thank you for sharing.