I never expected to get breast cancer. I’d been tested for every possible gene and diligently scheduled my yearly routine mammograms. So, this year, when I received a postcard reminding me that it was time for my annual screening, I scheduled the appointment. Once there, I expected my outcome to be the same as in prior years. So, it came as a surprise when I was told that my results were highly suspicious for breast cancer.
Although I write about breast cancer and know so many people affected, I convinced myself that it might actually be a mistake. How could this happen to me? During my biopsy the very next day, my surgeon told me that she was quite sure that it was breast cancer, but that the pathology results would tell us more. Those results revealed stage 1 invasive lobular breast cancer. My lumpectomy surgery occurred one month later, and we learned that I had the best possible kind of cancer. And yes, there is such a thing. Not only was it stage 1, but my tumor’s reaction to hormone treatment was 99.9% receptive. Still, radiation therapy would help ensure the best results.
Now in the final week of a 4-week round of radiation, I know how lucky I am. I recently met a woman waiting for radiation with triple-negative cancer who required chemotherapy at age 34. When she told her doctor about the lump she found, he told her to go home and forget about it because she was too young for breast cancer. She had to beg him to refer her for a mammogram.
I’ve come to realize how fortunate we are these days, especially in Western New York, where our access to the latest technology is exemplary. Rarely do women have an excuse not to get screened when it’s time, or to follow up if they find something unusual. After all, we even have mobile mammography. And, for the most part, there is rarely a cost associated with screening.
Suffice it to say, it is essential to get screened routinely, so don’t wait, get it done on time, and don’t ignore anything suspicious. Be vigilant. Make the time to take care of yourself. It can make a huge difference.
