Believe… 
in Resilience and Strength of Support
Maddy Paxton
My initial journey with breast cancer officially began 30 years ago. In reality, I had discovered something wrong the previous year, but my primary care physician insisted that at the age of 40, I was too young to be concerned. It was the first time that a physician gave me inaccurate advice.
In 1996, breast cancer was considered a “dirty little secret,” so besides enduring pain and trauma, I felt alone. While my family did their best to provide support, they had no idea what I was actually going through. After my first mastectomy and midway through chemo, I sought a second opinion. While the initial reports were correct, the diagnosis and treatment plan were incorrect. I was advised to stop chemo and forgo radiation.
Then, 16 years later, I was again diagnosed with a different form of breast cancer, not a recurrence. I found the support I received from other women dealing with breast cancer to be a true game-changer.
I feel truly blessed that with the advancements in cancer research and treatment, I have been able to live a full, rich, and happy life.
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