As most educators can tell you, we typically get our mammograms in June once school is out for the summer. The year that I was diagnosed, 2017 was no exception. Nothing was detected when my gynecologist performed a manual examination so I was referred for an annual mammogram. The mammogram detected some irregularities and a biopsy was ordered but nothing was found. By then, almost a month later, I could feel a large lump. When I questioned the results the team said that most likely something erupted and to come back in a year for my annual checkup. Given that I was 57 and hadn’t lactated for over 20 years I found this odd so I waited 3 more weeks before contacting my gynecologist for follow-up.
I was referred to a breast surgeon with all of the classic symptoms; dimpling of the breast, swollen breast tissue and a palpable lump. This time a core biopsy revealed not only cancer but highly aggressive triple negative cancer that had metastasized to the sternum. This type of cancer typically afflicts women of color and young women of which I am neither. There is no history of breast cancer in my family, I am of normal weight, eat healthy and maintain an active lifestyle.
Fast forward to now, I have had several courses of chemo, immunotherapy, clinical studies and radiation to keep this cancer in check. I work, lead an active life and even picked up a new sport, paddle boarding along with the hiking, skiing and swimming that I have always done. My take away from this is two fold; first, a mammogram is the most important diagnostic tool that a woman has at her disposal and it is critical to conduct this yearly. Second, we are our own best advocates. It’s easy to rely on medical personnel to proclaim us clear, especially when you are dealing with the thought of breast cancer, but if you have any doubt then act on it. One can live with breast cancer and have a great quality of life; however, had it not been for my mammogram, the strength of family and a fine medical team things could have been very different for me. Please don't delay your annual mammogram!
-Linda
