I may be all smiles today, but when I was 24 years old when I found a huge, hard lump in my right breast that I thought was breast cancer. The lump was the size of a tennis ball and it felt as hard as a golf ball. I’ll never forget that day for as long as I live. I learned to do the monthly self-breast exam at age 19 and although I didn’t do it monthly, I did do it at least a few times a year. I noticed my breasts were pretty lumpy from that pretty young age. Concerned about the way my breasts felt, I would bring this up at every annual gynecological appointment. From the age of 19, my gynecologist would typically ask me questions about my diet after I would express concern about my lumpy breasts. She would then positively assure me that my daily can of Mountain Dew could be the cause of my “lumpy gravel like breasts” and urged me to stop drinking so much caffeine and sugar. She never suggested testing or anything. And I trusted her enough not to get a second opinion.
Fast forward five years. I had just completed a very strenuous workout and my then boyfriend (who is now my husband) offered to give me a massage. I lied on my stomach as he sat on my derriere and started kneading my shoulders. All of a sudden, I felt something hard inside of my right breast. I asked him to let me turn over so I could feel the lump. I asked him to feel it too. It felt like the size of a round tennis ball. I ran to my bathroom and looked at it in the mirror and compared my right boob to the left one. It was an entire cup size larger. How could that be possible? I see myself in the shower every day! I had a gut instinct that something was terribly wrong. I made an appointment the next day to see an oncologist.
I went to see an oncologist and while I was checking in, the receptionist started crying when she saw me. She said “Oh my God. You are too young to have breast cancer.” I was pretty optimistic. But, seeing the look on her face made me realize just how serious this lump could actually be. There is no history of breast cancer on either side of the family and I was pretty strict about my diet at the time. Cancer doesn’t discriminate based on your age, race or gender. Even young babies and kids can develop cancer. And even men can develop breast cancer.
The oncologist gently examined my breasts with his hand. He also took x-rays and a biopsy with a needle. He then ordered an ultrasound and an MRI. I went back to his office a few days after all the testing. He said that it appeared to be a 3 inch by 3 inch tumor with at least 5 cysts surrounding it. His best guess was that it would more than likely be benign. However, he wouldn’t know that with absolute certainty until I had surgery to remove it. He didn’t believe surgery was an option. He recommended it immediately. He also mentioned that lumps of this size “don’t grow overnight,” making me realize that this lump has been growing for a few years–possibly since I was 19 or 20.
I was devasted. I have always been a very positive person—someone who loves life and wants to live forever. But, what if I had breast cancer? What if it had spread through my body? What if I had to get my breast removed and had to go thru chemotherapy? What if I was dying?
I scheduled my breast lumpectomy two weeks from that appointment. Fortunately, the doctor was right. It was a 4 inch by 4 inch tumor surrounded by 5 cysts and after testing, the tumor was found to be benign. After removing the tumor and the cysts, my breasts were healthy and looked symmetrical again. This was a very hard pill to swallow, but I became diligent about self breast exams and getting my annual mammogram. And I am now an advocate to help others learn the importance of doing monthly self exams and getting annual mammograms.
- 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen website, in 2018 alone, about 266,120 women will be diagnosed in America with breast cancer.
- It’s estimated that at least 40,920 women will die of breast cancer this year.
- Yet early detection gives you a much greater chance of beating it. Become more in touch with your breast health. Know how your breasts look, know how they feel. Because no-one knows your body like you do. And if something’s changed see your doctor.
- Women who exercise, don’t smoke, don’t binge drink, stay a healthy weight after menopause, and use birth control pills for a shorter number of years have a lower risk of getting breast cancer.
- Breast mammography, although imperfect, has been instrumental in detecting breast cancer when it does occur. Recommendations regarding screening are controversial: the question is the age that screening should begin.
- The American College of Radiology (ACR) recommends annual screening starting at age 40, while the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) believes that you should be screened every two years starting at age 50.
- The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends annual screening at age 45, with the option for women to be screened when they’re 40 if they prefer. The differences reflect changing opinions on what age the benefits of screening outweigh the risks.
- New to the scene is breast tomosynthesis, a 3-D screening tool that received FDA approval in 2011. Research has shown better cancer detection rates with tomosynthesis, and fewer “false alarms,” when women with no disease are mistakenly called back for further testing.
The Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
- A new lump or swelling in the boob, underarm or armpit.
- A thickening or swelling on or around your boob.
- Irritation or dimpling of your breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in your nipple or breast area.
- Nipple discharge without squeezing it.
- Any change in the size or shape of your boobs.
- Pain or unusual discomfort in any area of your breast.
You can make a difference! You can save your life and you can help others!
Here are links to 3 of my favorite charities that support breast cancer research:
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, your donation will help provide a mammogram to a woman in need. Many women cannot afford their annual mammogram, and your support is the only way for these women to get the important screenings they need.
Over the past 5 years, more than 80 cents of every dollar spent by Susan G. Komen have gone directly towards research, community-based health programs, education and advocacy programs to support its mission of saving lives and ending breast cancer.
3. Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation is dedicated to achieving a future without breast cancer by engaging the public and the scientific communities in innovative research. We do this through performing and facilitating innovative and collaborative research, translating science to engage the public as informed partners, and inspiring novel research.
{This post is NOT sponsored. Photography by Thurston Willis. }
I had no idea! Thank you for sharing your story.