WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- All this month at WUSA9, we are featuring our neighbors here in the Washington DC region who are living with and surviving breast cancer. You can see these stories everyday on Great Day Washington.
The following story is from Annie ("Ann") W. Everett who was treated at Suburban Hospital:
"I am a two-time breast cancer survivor with my first cancer being diagnosed 22 years ago. I was diagnosed again in March 2015 with a second and totally different cancer in the same breast.
When you first hear the 'c' word applied to you, it is pretty devastating. However, with all the advancements in cancer research and the many new treatments now available, it is no longer all gloom and doom. One can easily recover and live a full life after breast cancer. Now, mind you, the journey is not an easy one. However, with early detection, a good caring medical team, strong family and friends for support and prayers... you do get through it.
I had a lumpectomy and underwent 7 weeks of radiation and 4 rounds of chemotherapy the first time. I survived!
My second treatment was a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. I survived!
Surgery for my second cancer was done at Suburban Hospital. I consider this a major step during my journey. The medical team and all the supporting staff were outstanding!
As I continued down that road to recovery, while there were still challenges, the journey became a little easier as the days and months went by. I am now fully recovered, living life to its fullest. I have increased my community service activities, including becoming a Breast Cancer Ambassador at Suburban Hospital where I share my experiences with patients who have recently undergone breast cancer surgery. I also put a positive face on breast cancer survival and am working hard to help spread hope to these patients and numerous others."
