BREAST CANCER – INCIDENCE 12%
ME -MAMMOGRAM -ME – MY FEARS – ME – ABNORMAL MAMMOGRAM – ME – BREAST CANCER – ME – BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
“I still remember my first mammogram clearly.
I was 37 and felt a pea-sized lump in my left breast. I panicked, felt overwhelmed by fear in an instant. Adrenalin rushed through my body, fight or flight (yeah right!). My feet were stuck to the floor and I was unable to move. Melodramatic, but true! I had to wait 5 long days for the mammogram. Fortunately, all was clear.
My mom accompanied me during another routine mammogram. She is 25 years older than I am and gets an all-clear. I get called back into the mammogram cubicle for some more X-rays where I am lying down for the ultrasound. After what felt like ages, the sonographer says: “Just by the way, I have to call the doctor to check”. Panic flooded my body. I had to compose and control myself as emotions threatened to erupt with tears streaming all over my face. The doctor was busy with another patient and I was left alone to deal with myself and impending doom. Fortunately, all was well again.
I have become used to second looks and ultrasounds, but the underlying voice of worry does not disappear. It is always making me feel slightly nauseous and scared whenever I go for a mammogram. I wonder if it will ever change?
Fortunately, I’ve never had an abnormal mammogram, not yet. My chance for breast cancer (I have no family history) is a staggering 12%. One in 8. And I am 50.
I personally focus on the mammogram as a tool to detect cancer and try to ignore the physical discomfort. Here is a tip: schedule your mammogram for after your period and drink two painkillers before the test to reduce discomfort. Routine mammograms start at age 40.
Mammograms do not cause cancer.
Mammograms can detect abnormal areas before the patient can feel the lump. Early detection of breast cancer is the aim!”
ME – MY BREASTS –MY PARTNER – MY BREASTS / MY FAMILY – MY BREASTS/ MYSELF – MY BREAST.
A breast cancer diagnosis brings with it the normal thoughts accompanied by all cancer diagnoses. From my experience with patients, there can be a struggle with the change in appearance, especially if no reconstruction was chosen, or if scar tissue is present. There is also the issue of asymmetry that is often not visible to others but causes practical and irritating problems to the patient. The implants might also harden and cause one breast to be higher than the other. Partner relationships can become strained on interpersonal and intimate levels and place a further strain on the patient. Vaginal dryness accompanies most hormonal treatments. There is help for symptoms. Lilia is a new preparation that does not contain estrogen.
Breast cancer, if detected early, is treatable and curable. The routine use of a plastic surgeon has improved the post-operative appearance of the reconstruction. I have certainly seen many success stories.
“Miss you already” starring – Drew Barrymore follows the stories of two best friends and includes the one friend’s journey with breast cancer. I cried, no, sobbed for most of the duration of the movie. I shared the experience with my daughter that was around 16 at the time. We were both touched deeply by the story.
I salute every woman who is brave enough to go for a mammogram, for every woman dealing with an abnormal result or with a biopsy. With the diagnosis of breast cancer, with treatment, with the impact on their personal lives, and continue to live with hope and optimism. I also salute all spouses, friends, family, and health personnel that are there in the time of need and beyond.
I am not sure if I will join you in your ranks during my life journey, but it is certain that 1 out of 8 of myself, and other females I know, will do.