Marge Nichols

 Hi everyone,  My name is Marge Nichols and I am a two time cancer survivor.  I come from a large family ( I also have a  twin brother) and the extent of cancer in my family was my great Aunt who had stomach cancer back in the early 60's, and she lived to be into her 80's.  Cancer was nothing I ever worried about.
 My life has consisted of growing up on a small farm , and having a son at 18 yrs. of age.  I raised my son practically all alone, while working as a police officer for Baltimore County police, until I retired in 1988..  I was very busy but always found time for my health.

In 1993 I was diagnosed with Follicular Adlarnoma ( Early stages of Thyroid cancer )  Half of my thyroid was removed and because we got it so early no chemo or radiation was needed.  I was so happy,  I was afraid of losing my very long hair at the time...

I continued to stay in the law enforcement field opening my own Private investigating  Company and writing bails.  I was teaching  stained glass at Harford Community College .  Life was good.

I had to have breast lumps removed at the age of 18.  By the time I got breast cancer ( I had 14 removed and I was only 45 yrs. old) .  The 15th one was in my right breast and we were watching it closely.  After a mammogram it was found that I had  Intraductal Carcinoma in my left breast.  ( Again very early stages )
This time I was finished with all the surgery and decided on a complete mastectomy, and reconstruction.  My doctor , Dr. Gregory Gurfinchel, and his highly trained assistant)  Ida Ryder, sat me and my husband  Ray (my number one support person) down and we discussed options.