After dedicating her life as an educator, Susan Kelley planned to retire at the end of the next school year. A self-check breast exam during the summer would alter those plans and her life.

“I first began feeling a small lump in my left breast. It was so subtle that I could not feel it when I tried again,” Susan said. “Because of this, I continued to check on and off in the days that followed. By the end of June, I began feeling it all the time.”

Susan shared her concerns with her doctor in early July and was scheduled for an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram.

“The ultrasound technician couldn’t find the lump at first during the test and actually called in a second technician to try,” Susan said. “I was hoping then that this was nothing since they were not able to detect a lump. However, the second technician was able to locate the lump with the ultrasound.”

A breast biopsy was performed. Twelve days later, Susan got a call that would change her life.

“The doctor’s office called and asked me to come into the office that day. It was then that I learned I had breast cancer.”

Susan chose to have a lumpectomy performed. However, like many educators, Susan first thought of others before herself.

“I was an elementary school principal and, with the new school year set to begin shortly, I asked to postpone the surgery until after the 1st day of school so I could be there for the first few days,” Susan said. “Surgery was scheduled for August 28th and second surgery was performed on September 11th to ensure a clear margin was achieved.”

The pathology report indicated that Susan would not need to undergo chemotherapy treatment – only radiation therapy.

Susan completed her radiation, 21 treatments to be exact, and is now back to her active lifestyle as a now retired educator.

“Spending time with my family is my greatest joy,” Susan said. “Hanging out together with my children, my siblings and my granddaughter is so much fun, no matter what we do.”

It was the support of her family that helped encourage her through her cancer journey.

“I remember telling my family how frustrated I was because I wanted my last year at the school to be a great one,” Susan said. “My daughter said, ‘Mom, it will be a great year because you will beat cancer!’”

“I needed to hear that. My family has been my strength and support throughout this whole experience, and I am very blessed and grateful!”