Series: Mary’s Story. A Battle With Breast Cancer

Getting a mammogram can be scary enough for a grown woman. And the thought of going by oneself? Even scarier. These friends decided to make a day of it.

June 19, 1996

Mary Herczog found out that, at 33, she had invasive breast cancer. Chemotherapy came next. How has she been coping? With fear, realism and humor. In monthly stories, she will chronicle her new life.

Dec. 8, 1997

Mary Herczog found out that, at 33, she had invasive breast cancer. Chemotherapy came next. How has she been coping? With fear, realism and humor. In monthly stories, she will chronicle her new life.

Jan. 12, 1998

Alternatives: Western medicine will save her, this cancer patient says. But acupuncture and herbs will ease the struggle--and chocolate doesn’t hurt, either.

Feb. 9, 1998

I think I knew anesthesia was all it was cracked up to be when I asked the nurse who was transferring me from the post-op gurney to a hospital bed whether the clock on the wall was right.

March 9, 1998

Since the more or less halfway point has been reached, it seems a good time to answer the $65,000 question: “How are you doing?”

April 13, 1998

When it first appeared possible that I might have breast cancer, it occurred to me to try to keep this news confined to a select few.

May 11, 1998

Chemo is over. Chemo is over. Chemo is over. I think this bears repeating. Chemo’s over.

June 8, 1998

I thought it was high time to introduce you to the directors of this production I’ve been starring in, the adorable and delightful total geniuses who are saving my life: Dr.

July 13, 1998

With a shrug and ‘You’re cured,’ she is--cautiously--given a clean bill of health. The future includes a steady stream of checkups and years of little white pills.... She’ll take it!

Aug. 10, 1998

Mary Susan Herczog chronicled her battle with breast cancer in The Times from December 1997 to August 1998.

March 29, 1999

She knew breast cancer could come back, but it still surprised her. This time, she had a different weapon.

Sept. 9, 2002