Let’s Talk About Breasts

It is October, which means, it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So, let’s talk about breasts – more specifically – breast health.

I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It shocked both myself and my family doctor. I was young(ish) and did not meet most of the increased risk factors. I also had no signs or symptoms. So, how was my breast cancer discovered?

As discussed in my post This is My Story, I wanted to ensure my breasts were healthy. So, as I approached my 40th birthday, I asked my family doctor to arrange a mammogram for me. I wanted my pre-screening to begin. I was met with a flat ‘No. Mammograms are given to women 50 years and older‘. I argued my case – both my mom and my sister had mammograms before reaching 40 years of age; and my aunt is a breast cancer survivor. My doctor listened patiently to me, and agreed to bring me back for a Ministry of Health Assessment Test – a computerized test that would generate a result determining my “risk factor”. Based on the risk factor, I may or may not qualify for a mammogram. So, after 45 minutes of question and answer the result generated – I was on the border of ‘slightly increased risk’. My doctor pondered my result and then consulted another doctor on her team. Erring on the side of caution, she returned with a requisition form. I was to have a mammogram shortly after my 40th birthday.

I had my mammogram. I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

On Wednesday June 24, 2015, after 22 days of extensive scans, biopsies, and blood work, I had a unilateral mastectomy. My pathology results postoperatively were shocking. The area of tumour was 8.7 cms of extensive ductal carcinoma in situ, grade 3; however, areas of micro invasion were detected. The foci were grade 2, ER positive, HER-2 positive, and progesterone receptor negative. Therefore, my treatment path was Adjuvant Therapy – Tamoxifen – to be taken every day for 5 years.

My healing process over the years, from both the trauma and the surgery, has been extensive. I took Tamoxifen, and learned to cope with the side effects caused by the drug. I worked with a Social Worker to help me process the shock, fear, and anxiety that comes with a cancer diagnosis. I worked with a Kinesiologist, a Physiotherapist, and a Massage Therapist to help with the chronic fatigue, shoulder misalignment (from surgery), cording, nerve damage, and fascial adhesions/scarring. I still live with limitation, chronic pain, cording, and nerve damage. But I live.

Although my diagnosis was 9 years ago, every single day I work through the limitations and breath through the fears. It does get easier. You learn to be patient with your body and share space with the fear. However, the gratitude never falters. It never leaves me.

Gratitude.

Let me be clear. I am not grateful for having cancer. However, I am grateful that I received excellent and expedient care from an incredible team of medical professionals. I am grateful that I was recognized by them, not only as a patient, but also as a mommy, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and an individual. And, I am lucky I was heard – that my persistence and stubbornness, along with a conscientious family doctor – allowed for an early diagnosis. What if, is a scary thought I try not to succumb to.

My story is not unique. There are thousands of women who live a healthy lifestyle, yet find themselves in the throes of a breast cancer diagnosis. The statistics are astounding. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 30,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone – an average of 84 Canadian women per day! Knowing your breasts and checking them frequently for changes remains ever so important, as does early screening. As it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month it is a perfect opportunity to remind you to please pay attention to your breasts. Get to know them. I urge you!

And, we have a WIN Ladies! If you are 40 years old and living in Ontario, you now qualify for early screening. So go and get your mammogram! You will not require a doctor’s referral. You can book the appointment yourself. To learn more about screening, and how to get screened, click HERE. To learn more about breast cancer, click HERE.

I leave you all with this reminder – please take care of yourself. It is so important that you do. As I have said before and will say again, You are the Only You.

Let’s Talk About Breasts. Published by Crystal Joy Hall