Many years ago my Aunty Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a breast removed, but no other treatment, as far as I know. She is now 95 years old and lives in a care home in the UK, she suffers from osteoperosis and is legally blind, but is still the very active, vital, and very happy and contented Aunty she always was. Her daughter was also diagnosed with breast cancer and also had a breast removed, she is also very well and happy and has just retired from work and enjoying her new lifestyle. My mom died of cancer, Aunty Amy is her Step-Sister, they shared the same Father. Sadly my mom died at the age of 58 due to the cancer reaching her brain, but we will never know where my moms cancer started because she would not visit the doctor until it was too late.
My first diagnosis of Breast Cancer was in 1997, 3 years after I had noticed a lump in my left breast. I have no idea why my lump changed and became malignant ( cancerous) but when it did I was the first person to notice these changes and I visited my family doctor. My lump had been checked every year since 1994 when it was first discovered and I agree with the doctors who told me it was a non malignant cyst. I was living a very stressed life at this time and I believe that my stress compromised my immune system, which meant I was more at risk from catching even a common cold because my immune system was not healthy and strong. My lump started to grow, slowly, and it was tender, and even though my lovely surgeon assured me he was 99% sure it was not breast cancer I asked for a biopsy. The good news is my lump was found early, which meant that my cancer was microscopic, in fact they almost missed it! My prognosis was excellent, I underwent a small lumpectomy, and 5 days of radiation for 5 weeks.
3 years later I discovered a new lump in my other breast and this time it was decided and agreed upon that a double mastectomy was the way to go for me. I was eventually tested for one of the known breast cancer genes but my results came back negative. I have no idea why I succummbed to breast cancer and other women and men do not, but I do know my awareness, prevention and early detection helped me. I was aware that a lump might mean breast cancer. I had done everything in my power to prevent any serious illness by eating a healthy diet, excercising moderatly, and a whole list of other things, the only thing that let me down was my stress. The second time around though I knew how to deal with the stress in my life. The early detection of my lumps meant that my cancer had no chance to spread.
I have now been cancer free from the first time 12 years and 9 years the second time and a year ago I underwent reconstruction, which means I now have implants. The reason I took this route is because I was fed up of messing around with my prothesis and, to be honest was a bit lazy:) I have always loved myself and having no breasts and lots of scars never maid me feel ugly, and my new husband supported and loved me all the way through the process of dealing with breast cancer and is still an excellent support for me.
Please support the wonderful awareness campaigns out there, be aware and show you care, and please wear something PINK in October to raise the awareness about breast cancer.
Thanks!
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