October 2, 2022

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month; however, I want to stress that every month needs to be Breast Cancer Awareness month.  October is especially sentimental to me considering that last year my treatments started in October.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to perform your monthly breast exams and to be aware of any changes in your breast, any new tenderness, really anything.  Anything that doesn’t feel normal, please be aware, and don’t wait till your next annual exam.  Call your doctor immediately and get an appointment to get your breast checked and imaged.  Early detection is the key when dealing with any cancer – especially breast cancer. 

It’s important for everyone to know that breast cancer does not consistently present itself with a lump or for that matter in the same way for all patients.  Cancer in my right breast was discovered on my annual mammogram, but I have another friend whose cancer was not detected on a mammogram, or for that matter by her OB/GYN or breast surgeon.  Her symptoms were enlarged lymph nodes and not a lump at all.  Please read Heather’s story here.

Since my diagnosis last year, I have spoken with many breast cancer patients, and survivors, and I can unequivocally say that our stories about our initial diagnosis are all drastically different.  One of the thrivers I’ve recently connected with told me that she did have a lump, however, when examined the doctor’s stated it was nothing to be concerned about, but then that lump became sore over time, and by the time they had diagnosed cancer it had metastasized to other areas.  I am happy to report that this beautiful lady is a 7-year thriver, living and thriving with metastatic breast cancer. 

Thankfully, I am consistent with my annual medical visits, mammograms, bloodwork, and yearly physicals.  My story is that I had a call back for my mammogram in August of 2020 where a follow-up ultrasound was performed, and it was determined that I had a cyst and there was nothing to be concerned about.  Fast forward to my next annual exam August 2021, where I was once again called back for an ultrasound, where they did discover a lump.  I can’t stress enough to everyone that my tumor was found around the 6 o’clock region of my breast, where the base of your bra sits.  I never felt it, until after they performed the biopsy, at which point my tumor became “angry” and was enlarged.  It was only then that I was able to even feel it. 

Please hear me – breast cancers present themselves differently for each person who is diagnosed.  Breast cancer is also not exclusive to women.  There are men who receive this diagnosis, although rare, it does happen.  Be aware.  Be alert.  Be on top of your annual mammograms.  Listen to your body.  If you “feel” like something is not right, chances are that it’s not.  Your body will not lie to you.  I can promise you that.  Your body knows when something is not okay.  Don’t ignore it!  Be your own advocate!  If you think/feel that something is wrong, and the doctors are telling you otherwise, go see a new doctor.  Insist on a new test.  Keep marching forward till you get to the bottom of “what is not right”.  Trust me when I say, “No one will fight harder for you, than you!!”

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, please participate in one of the many resources that offer insights on breast cancer this month, and every month.  Here are some of the larger ones that have quite a bit of helpful information. 

• National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc – Together We Rise – link here
• Breast Cancer Resource Center – link here
• Baylor, Scott & White – link here
• MD Anderson – link here
• White House Proclamation that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month – link here
• National Cancer Institute – link here

These are just a few of the many, many resources that are available to you if you find that you are faced with a cancer diagnosis.  In fact, many of the larger cancer centers will allow you to self-refer yourself to their facilities if you need a second opinion, or for diagnosis, like Mano and I both did.  There are so many resources available if you take the time to look.

Truly, I hope that no one reading this will ever need to utilize the information that can be found in the links above, however, knowing the statistics, it’s a high probability that one of you, or someone you know, will need access to this information.  Know that you have options and don’t ever forget, at the end of the day, you are in control of your healthcare no matter where you live, where you go, or what doctor you chose to handle your medical situation.  Don’t ever forget how powerful your voice is.

Xo,

Tracy