As I'm sure you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Well, back in 2000, my mom and best friend discovered a lump in her breast during a self-exam. She had it biopsied and it came back as cancer. CANCER?? Definitely not a word any of us wants to, or is ever prepared to hear. I still vividly recall that phone call when Mom shared her diagnosis with me. We hadn't seen it coming, at all, because there was no known history of breast cancer in her family. It caught us totally by surprise. How could it happen to her? Not MY mom!!!
Mom's cancer was found to be in the early stages, so she was given a good prognosis. She underwent a lumpectomy, followed by several months of chemotherapy and radiation. However, when she received her next to last chemo. treatment of Taxol, she ended up in the hospital. We're not exactly certain what happened...perhaps too much chemo for her body to handle. We just don't know for sure. She passed away at the young age of 68. She still had so much of life left in her and I feel robbed that she left this world all too soon. The years I had with Mom, though far too short, were precious and will always be cherished. Thankfully, I have the assurance that I will see her, again.
After losing my mom, I made a vow to myself that I would be diligent about getting annual mammograms. In fact, I started getting them at the age of 35, and I've been going every year since. I heard yesterday on a show that 81% of those diagnosed with breast cancer will still be alive 10 years after their diagnosis. Also, 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
Actress, Christina Applegate, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, was on the show. Her cancer was found in the early stages and she, initially, had a lumpectomy. However, because her surgeon didn't get clear margins, and being that her mom had been diagnosed with the disease twice, she decided to have a double mastectomy to increase her chances of survival. She, and the other breast cancer survivors on the show, were so brave to share their stories. I've known quite a few women who've had breast cancer, one at the age of 37, and she's doing just great now.
So, I want to strongly encourage you to get your mammograms and do monthly self-exams! Don't put it off because early detection is the key to saving your life!
Have you been touched by breast cancer in one way or another?
8 comments:
April, I am so sorry you have suffered the loss of your Mum. My heart goes out to you. My Grandmother on my Mum's side was diagnosed with it - her body was riddled with it. She was 69 also. That was 20 years ago earlier this year. It feels like yesterday, and my Mum misses her so much. She has experienced lumps, but by the grace of God, they've been benign. I check, and have check ups, and I pray... Hugs to you across the seas. Naomi x
I am so sorry to hear that you lost your mother to breast cancer. Naturally, being a health care worker, I was around it a lot and while in respiratory school I worked on a med/surg floor. Radical Mastectomies were common to see on that floor. I personally have not been affected by this horrible disease. My mother had a close call but when she went back for the ultrasound the lump had disappeared. My dad called it an act of God because he had prayed over her for 4 days. The doctor was baffled. Of course, we knew exactly what had happened.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of you mother, April.
Unfortunately, I know several women who are and have been battling with breast cancer. A couple of them have lost the battle. It's such a sad thing.
Back in 1996, I had a lump on my left breast and had it checked out. Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing. Since that time, I have always done self breast exams.
Thanks for posting this and reminding us just how important it is to continue doing self exams as well as getting our yearly mammograms done.
I am so sorry about the loss of your mother.
I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer but she is in remission. I also work for a hospice agency so, sadly, I come in contact, on a daily basis, with people who are stricken with this horrible disease...not just breast cancer but all types of cancer.
Thank you for this post! Until recently I knew people that had breast cancer, but no one in my family had ever been diagnosed. This year two of my dad's sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently undergoing treatment.
It is so important to do self exams!
Thanks for the reminder. I love your blog...but I could barely read it with the color of the print...just and FYI!
Have a great day!
-Sandy Toes
I know it is terrible to say but I often think, "I don't have time to do a self-check today; I'll do it tomorrow". And then tomorrow doesn't come. Thank you for the reminder.
Both DK's parents passed away from cancer. It is a horrible disease and he is checked annually since he is high risk.
I am so sorry to hear you loss your mother to breast cancer. My mother went through a scare last year but all ended up well in the end. It was a very scary time for all of us.
Thank you so much for your story. I lost my mom to breast and lung cancer in 2006. January she was diagnosed and by June she was gone. She had just turned 70 when she died. Way too young! Her grandchildren are not the same, they miss her so much. I now get checked every year because my family needs me and because I want to be a survior. Keep doing the good work!
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