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

March 7, 2014 3:27 AM PT

In 1997, Mary Herczog found out that, at 33, she had invasive breast cancer. Chemotherapy came next. How did she cope? With fear, realism and humor. In monthly stories, she chronicled her new life -- below are her stories, chronologically, from the top.

1

Obituaries

The Buddy System

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
2

Obituaries

The Diagnosis

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
3

Obituaries

Chemo and Tuna Cravings

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
4

Obituaries

Inside the Healing Circle

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
5

Obituaries

Thank You, Dr. Love God

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
6

Obituaries

She’s Feeling Fine, Thanks

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
7

Obituaries

Sharing the News, Reading Reactions

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
8

Obituaries

Goodbye, Chemo. Hello, Radiation. Hello, Bliss

Chemo is over. Chemo is over. Chemo is over. I think this bears repeating. Chemo’s over.
June 8, 1998
9

Obituaries

The Who, What and Why Behind Her Treatment

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
10

Obituaries

That Was Then, This Is Now

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
11

Obituaries

Getting So Much Better All the Time

Mary Susan Herczog chronicled her battle with breast cancer in The Times from December 1997 to August 1998.
March 29, 1999
12

Obituaries

A New Battle, an Old Foe

She knew breast cancer could come back, but it still surprised her. This time, she had a different weapon.
Sept. 9, 2002

More From the Los Angeles Times