My first experience with breast cancer occurred the summer that I turned 14. I went to live with my Aunt who was just 37 years old and diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She had 5 young children under the age of 12 including a new baby only a few months old. She had found a lump when she was pregnant and her doctor told her that it was milk duct… it was not. By the time they figured it out that it was breast cancer, it was too late.

I stayed with the family that summer watching the children and watching my Aunt’s body ravaged by the disease. I remember the big scar across her chest and the radiation that burned her body. She was so brave and beautiful and despite all of her suffering, never lost her humor or kind spirit. One day, she asked her husband while she was topless with only one breast and a huge slant of a scar where the other had been, “ Do you ever get the feeling that I am winking at you?” She only survived to the next summer.

I am sad to say that breast cancer stole another friend of mine at about the same age. Once again she was pregnant when she found a lump. Sadly she was also told that it was just a milk duct. She even had it aspirated and they found milk. She followed her gut and had a biopsy which proved to also be stage 4 breast cancer.

I have passed the age that cancer stole their lives. I look at my own four children and feel blessed that I am still here.  They stood up to cancer and so must we.

I could write a blog about breast cancer education and risk factors but there are many sites where you can find that information. I want you to stand up to cancer. I want you to stand up for yourself and your children. Do monthly breast exams and when you feel a lump, get a biopsy. Don’t wait. If you are over 40 get a yearly mammogram.  If you have a family history investigate life saving interventions such as a preventative mastectomy.

Do not be afraid. 98% of women will survive past 5 years when diagnosed with stage 1 or early disease.  Breast cancer is not a death sentence like I once thought it was. One out of 8 of us will get breast cancer in our lives but few will die from it.  Get your mammograms and make sure that your mothers, sisters and daughters to do.

 

Thinking Pink,

Dr. Deb

http://www.breastcancer.org/