Ann Caple's Story

Hello, my name is Ann Caple, I’m age 64. I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2009. I scheduled a routine mammogram and waited for a letter in the mail to tell me that my results were negative for breast cancer, as had been since I started having mammograms at the age of 40. Instead, I received a phone call. They said they’d seen something in my breast like rings of sugar.

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March 2009 – My doctor scheduled me for an ultrasound and MRI, then a biopsy of my left breast.

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April 2009 – I received the phone call telling me I that I had early-stage breast cancer. “I screamed on the phone. I was nervous. I was scared and I was home alone. I said, “God if it’s meant for me to be here, you will let me be here. If it’s meant for me to go, then I’ll go. But I know that you’ve got me!

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At my first appointment, I told my doctor that I didn’t want radiation or chemotherapy. I also had reconstructive surgery. After surgery, I decided to take a form of chemotherapy. Now, after an intensive 27-week healing process, and chemo pills for 10 years, I go to the doctor every 3 months and gets a yearly MRI to ensure I remain breast cancer free.

My grandmother and my mother never discussed cancer. I attend the support group at West Suburban Medical Center and is on the breast cancer support group and champion survivors’ committee with Pink Divas & Gents Org. I speak at churches and share my experience with people in my daily life. We must share our stories and discuss the importance of screening with other women. Every life matters!