My name is Sandra A. Samuels and I am an eleven-year survivor of Breast Cancer. My journey started in November 1999 when I personally found a lump in my breast during a self examination. Being aware of this dreaded disease I immediately called my girlfriend who in turn made an appointment to see the doctor.

A mammogram was requested which did not pick up the lump based on the fact that the position of the lump was located high up on the chest in the 12 o’clock  position which was not captured in the film. However, based on my knowledge of my body I was certain that there were changes in the area and consented to further testing, which was an ultrasound followed by a needle biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of Cancer.

It was indeed a devastating blow as I was only 35 years old and enjoying life. Post diagnosis your decisions are crucial and must be made in a timely manner. From
diagnosis to surgery was two weeks, it is sometimes less, but as an entrepreneur I had to put my house and business in order before I went in hospital.

I was diagnosed with stage II Breast Cancer and had to do a partial radical mastectomy, which is to remove the entire breast without removing muscle. This was followed by four treatments of Chemotherapy and sixteen treatments of Radiotherapy. The treatment of cancer is extremely expensive and without the assistance of friends and family this would not have been possible for me. That was eleven years ago.

The cost of radiotherapy now would be anywhere from $1,200,000.00 up privately. Chemotherapy now can run from $45,000 up to highs of $100,000+ each treatment. Your options of Radiotherapy is very limited as there is only one machine in the public hospital at KPH with a waiting list and one private at Ripon Road in Jamaica.

Unfortunately for me I did not take out a Cancer or Critical Illness Insurance Policy as I did not have Cancer in my family and never thought it would happen to me. I only had basic health insurance which was inadequate. If I had it to do all over again I would not make that mistake again as during treatment the most necessary and important thing is piece of mind. I am happy to say that it has been eleven years and I have enjoyed every day I have been blessed with. Pre Breast Cancer I was preoccupied with business and making money. Post Breast Cancer my focus is about balance- business, family, God and building and nurturing my friendships. I have been given a second chance at living right and I took it. When I was made aware of the diagnosis and was told I had to remove my breast, lose my hair and be away from my business  that I had never done before, in order for me to survive, I chose life. That was my primary focus. Fast track eleven years, I have done so much with my time. Served my community, won competitions, spent quality time with my friends and family, grew spiritually fell in love with myself and now to top it all off I have found love and will be married early 2011. With God all things are possible. Live, Laugh hard, Love & Pray. Sandra Samuels CEO, Totally Male Limited NCB’s ProCare Critical Illness Protection Plan offers: Coverage of up to $3M, which is payable upon the first diagnosis of one of the covered critical illnesses. There is no medical exam required, simply complete a Declaration of Health form and submit with your Application In addition to Cancer,these are the other illnesses ProCare covers: • Heart Attack • Stroke • Major Burns • Paralysis • Blindness • Deafness • Coma • Loss of Speech