Double Mastectomy: The Day That Changed My Life

In the spring of 1943, the two would be united as one. Life in this time period was simplistic just like Katie had dreamed of her wedding being. Katie had dreamed of her wedding from the time she was a young girl and the reality was it was time to put those dreams into action. She scrambled through old magazines and newspapers to find the perfect venue, the most exquisite flowers, and the delicacies of a desert. Katie knew from the moment she became engaged that she would wear her mother’s old wedding gown. She took it to a seamstress to make it the perfect fit for her slim frame. It took months for the day to come together, but with those long stressful days behind her the big day was finally here. Close family and few friends gathered at
Carl had lived his entire adult life with diabetes and a weak heart. The support Katie had always given him was a standard he wished to uphold in supporting her. In June 2002, it was finally the day for Katie to undergo her double mastectomy. The morning felt as if a snail was dragging it along. It went by slow for the entire family who gathered in the waiting room. Nerves were riding high in the waiting room, when the doctor finally walked out declaring that the surgery was successful. He spoke of what a wonderful patient Katie was. He ensured the family that she would make a full recovery and be able to live a life cancer free because the entire mass was removed. Carl embraced Doctor Smith as he was overcome with pure joy. After a brief stay in the hospital, Katie returned home anticipating a full recovery with the help of her husband, family, and friends. Katie left the hospital with no signs of cancer, but one reminder followed her home. The one thing that followed Katie from the hospital to her home was a drainage tube that connected to her chest. She wore pocketed shirts, with the tube placed inside, which concealed all that was left of her traumatic