January 2011 I was diagnosed with stage 3 her2 + breast cancer. I had a history of breast cysts. I had many aspirations in the past several years. Every time i had my routine mam I would have an ultrasound also. When I went for my yearly mam the radiologist told me the mam looked good and that I didn't need an ultrasound. I stated I was scheduled for it and made it clear I would not leave without the ultrasound. during the ultrasound I noticed that the technician looked ashen. She stated she saw something under my armpit and my lymph nodes looked enlarged. The radiologist came in and scanned me himself. He told me the same thing the tech said. I could tell by his tone he was concerned. I was scheduled for a biopsy the next morning. 48 hours later I got the devastating diagnosis. I went thru a battery of diagnostic tests. I had a large mass that was axilarry and I had at least six positive nodes. I endured 16 weeks of chemo, two surgeries,(lumpectomy with removal of 25 nodes including the centinal) and 33 rounds of radiation. I was infused every 3 weeks with herceptin for 1 year. I am happy to say I am showing no signs of cancer. Other than lymphedema problems I feel great. Let my story be a lesson. Be your own advocate. If I wasn't insistent on getting that ultrasound I shudder at the thought of what would have happened. I now am involved with local breast cancer groups sharing my story. Never take no for an answer. I didnt and it saved my life.