Dear Ann Landers,
en days ago, I had a breast removed, and I want to tell the world how lucky I am. I was terrified when during a routine examination the doctor said, You have a lump here. We'd better do a biopsy and find out what it is. Immediately, I thought of all the women I knew who had died of cancer. I was filled with panic and fear. When the biopsy revealed a malignancy, I was sure my life was over. I checked into the hospital that same day for the removal of a breast. The first thing I remember after coming out of the anesthetic was the doctor saying, We caught it very early. You are going to be good as new. Eight days later, I left the hospital wearing a prosthesis given to me by a group called Reach for Recovery-an organization for women who have had breasts removed. (I never knew the group existed.) These women meet regularly. Their purpose is to help new members lead a normal life. You can't imagine the lift I got when the club representative called on me. Her visit gave me renewed strength and hope. I will return to work-exactly 19 days after the lump was discovered. I feel marvelous. At 48,1 look forward to a long and happy life. I con-sider myself a lucky woman. Lucky because I refused to let anything interfere with my annual physical checkup and therefore caught the malignancy very early. Lucky, too, because my doctors were observant and talented. Lucky that I have a wonderful husband who has let me know the disfiguring operation in no way diminishes his love for me. God is good. -S.L.D.

Dear S.L.D.,
As I read your letter, I thought, "This could have been written by my sister-in-law." When I came to the signature, I discov-ered it was. Thank you, Sylvia. Prostate cancer seems to be on the rise. There is disagreement among doctors as to the best method of treatment. I believe my readers should have all the facts in order to make the best decision. Here are both sides of the argument: