It was about a month ago that I first noticed the lump in my breast. My response was a surprised grunt followed by the thought that it was probably just a gland. I had gone to my doctor twice before with what could not possibly be just a cold and had been told, "You have a cold." I decided to wait before seeking help. A death in the family redirected my concern and it wasn't until a week later that I made an appointment with my doctor. Until then, I had been calm, even nonchalant about the lump. I considered the possibilities, but it was easy to be optimistic and to look at the odds in my favor-its location and the fact that I had breast-fed my children. I was confident that I could handle the loss of a breast if I were told the