BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Many women who are fortunate enough to survive breast cancer after having a mastectomy choose to get breast reconstruction. A few months ago , ABC 23 was in the operating room with one woman who chose to get breast reconstruction surgery after she had a mastectomy. Tammie Fanning was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2008.

She said she went through many treatments to fight the cancer and even though she had a mastectomy, the cancer did not win. About seven weeks ago, Fanning went to plastic and reconstructive surgeon doctor Vip Dev to get her breast reconstructed.

Fanning went to Dev's office on Friday for a follow-up visit. Dev said the Fanning's recovery is right on track. Fanning said she is glad she had the breast reconstructive done and is looking forward to seeing her finial results.

According to medical experts, just a few short years ago, many women traveled to bigger cities to get breast reconstruction surgery, but now because of medical advancements, local women don't have to travel out of town to get good result.

According to the CDC, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women.

Medical experts said regular mammograms are the best tests doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years before it can be felt. When breast cancer is found early, many women go on to live long and healthy lives, doctors said.