Vicki Gingrich

Vicki (right) with good friend Becky Baldwin

Annville, PA

Vicki Gingrich was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with 6 positive nodes, 10 years ago at age 37. She noticed her tumor, the size of a ping pong ball, while lying on the floor one day with her kids, ages 10 and 12. Breast cancer in such young women is often aggressive and deadly. Here is Vicki's amazing story of survival.

Q: What was your initial reaction to the diagnosis?

A: Total disbelief and intense anger. I had no risk factors and I was healthy. It was a very surreal experience.

Q: How were you treated?

A: I had a mastectomy. Then I entered a clinical trial that consisted of six months of chemotherapy followed by five years of Tamoxifen and Zoladex ® . Two years later, I had a mastectomy on the other side so that I would be symmetrical. It was the best decision for me and for my lifestyle.

Q: What was the worst part of your breast cancer experience?

A: My kids' reaction. How do you tell a 10-year old that everything's going to be okay, when you're sitting there with a bald head? They thought it was contagious. And they thought I would die.

Q: What was the best part?

A: The network of support I found with other women. And gaining an outlook that changes your life.

Q: What is your advice for newly-diagnosed women?

A: Step back, think, question, talk with other women, get a second opinion, don't be rushed. Re-member that you have many choices. Figure out what choice is right for YOU.

Q: How has breast cancer changed your life?

A: I've gained an awareness about life that most people don't get until they're in their 60s. I don't ever put anything off, and I tell people how I feel. And I don't have to wear a bra!

Q: What have you learned from breast cancer?

A: That it doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your age, weight, height, or family history. I've learned that I have a responsibility to help other women. I need to give back and figure out why this is happening. I need to be heard; I'm an advocate, I speak out, and I'm alive. I've also learned to take the time to do those things that are most important to me.

Q: What can people learn from you?

A: To have a positive attitude and to believe in something - whether it's being a good parent or looking for a cure for this disease. Pick something and go after it with a passion.

Vicki is currently healthy and working for the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. She is a true joy to be around and a phenomenal advocate for women everywhere.

To profile someone in "Survivor Spotlight", e-mail Heather Hibshman at heather@pabreastcancer.org