A Mother/Daughter Survivor Story

It was 49 years ago, in 1969, when Eunice felt a lump in her right breast during a self examination. With five of her seven aunts diagnosed with breast cancer, Eunice knew the importance of self examinations. Her physician, Dr. Downey at Guttenberg Hospital ordered a mammogram in which the lump was confirmed and then ordered a biopsy. Protocol was a bit different in 1969. While Eunice was under sedation, the surgeon, Dr. George Auer, performed a biopsy at the hospital. She remained under sedation while the biopsy was driven to Cedar Rapids to be examined by pathology. It was confirmed cancerous and a call was made to Dr. Auer to proceed with surgery.