AMANDA CRUZ/SVEGL

My name is Mandy Cruz/Svegl. I am 38 years old and I am a breast cancer survivor.

I found a lump in my left breast on December 2, 2004. I talked to the doctor that I worked with and she suggested a mammogram and sonogram. My dog was dying so I waited about a week before getting it done. I underwent the procedure on December 10, 2004 along with a core biopsy. Three days later the call came with the results. I had invasive ductile carcinoma.

I left for home immediately and on the way I called my dad. By the time I got home and told my husband, who was crying with me, the phone rang. It was my father, Dr. Jacinto Cruz, with an appointment for that night to see a surgeon, Dr. Hartzeim. After discussing my case he gave me the choice of a lumpectomy or a mastectomy. I needed time to decide. I called two days later with my decision and he set me up with Dr. Deboni. On December 23rd I had a left breast mastectomy with reconstruction. That was how I spent my Christmas – in an intensive care unit hospital bed.

During my recovery from surgery I met with Dr. Mahar, an oncologist. I started eight rounds of chemotherapy over a six month period. Even though my hair fell out, I worked full time. It was the longest six months ever, but I knew it would be worth it in the end.

Now, a year later, I am cancer-free due, in no small part, to the research sponsored by the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. I would like to thank all the hard-working people of this organization for the support I received from them. Without them it would have been a much harder task, if not impossible.