Nine times out of 10, a spot is benign. After an ultrasound and two needle biopsies, both inconclusive, Lightsey was wheeled into surgery for another biopsy. Her surgeon determined the lump was cancerous and immediately performed a lumpectomy, removing a small section of breast tissue. Lightsey admits that fear was part of her reluctance to have checkups or to do breast self exams, something she believes is common in her community. Our health is often the last thing we think about, especially mothers.
All women have responsibility to their job, home, husband and churches.
She wants to change women's attitudes and fears. Lightsey found her own cancer early enough to conserve her breast, but not without its own challenges, namely, chemotherapy. Each time, you know you have to start the process all over again. Family, friends and coworkers provided the support she needed during the difficult weeks following her chemotherapy treatments. The post-chemotherapy weeks were the only times she missed work at the clinic, Lightsey said.