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?
