Jeannee valiantly fought breast cancer, but passed away on May 7, 1998 at the age of 40 as a result of recurring breast cancer.
Breast glands put you at risk of becoming a victim of breast cancer. Breasts come in all sizes and shapes are referred to by many different names. People, especially men, go crazy when they see them. Implants make them larger; clothes conceal them. They nurture or console. They also harbor a deadly disease.
Our sister was in her 30's when her symptoms began. At the time of our sister's diagnosis, there was no prior history of breast cancer among our immediate family members. The lump under her armpit was attributed to an allergic reaction to deodorant and dismissed by a physician as psychosomatic. Statistics show that she was among a ethnic group who failed to obtain a checkup. Her "symptoms" were not diagnosed until she started bleeding from one of her breasts. Breast cancer does not present itself with similar symptoms; the symptoms can be different for different people. Upon detection, cancer may be in an advanced or aggressive stage. Even after a mastectomy, the cancer can advance due to late stage detection and hormones; consequently, it may not be responsive to chemotherapy.
Although she suffered and endured the chemo treatments, the hardest thing to endure was the stares from people who couldn't imagine or understand what she was going through because her hair had fallen out and lost a considerable amount of weight. How shallow - she was fighting harder to sustain her life more than many of us.
Be compassionate -- breast cancer can affect you or someone you love. Support free mammograms so our loved ones are NOT just a memory. Get to know your body better than your physician.
Richmond, VA