Terry Williams of Clinton is a graphic artist in the Daily Sentinel’s production department. She is a 14-year cancer survivor. With a breast cancer diagnosis on both sides of her family, it was a self-exam that prompted Williams to call her gynecologist.

When were you diagnosed, what age and what stage?

I was diagnosed in June 2008 with estrogen and progesterone, HERS2 negative, Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 43, which had spread to my lymph nodes in my right underarm.

How was the cancer initially detected?

I detected a dimpling on the right breast through a self-exam and proceeded to call my gynecologist. He ordered a mammogram, and three areas were detected in my right breast on the mammogram. He then proceeded with the biopsy. I was informed in three days that I was positive for cancer.

What was your treatment process?

I had a double mastectomy with half of my lymph nodes in my right arm taken out. Reconstruction of my breasts took a year to finish after five surgeries and chemotherapy for three months.

What message would you like to provide to others in the community?

I am a 14-year cancer survivor and am very lucky to be alive. I made sure to do my self-check because my grandmother on my father's side had breast cancer that proceeded to her brain. I also had a great aunt on my mother’s side who had breast cancer. I had a mammogram in January of 2008, and I detected the dimpling in June 2008.

Are you a breast cancer survivor, or do you know someone who is? As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Daily Sentinel is saluting survivors in this daily feature throughout October. To be featured, email Pam Sperbeck at PSperbeck@RNYmedia.