I was diagnosed with stage I infiltrating ductal carcinoma in 2008. I am otherwise healthy, and somewhat neurotic about keeping most of my diet organic, and my environment "green." At first I wondered if anyone is safe. On the brighter side, if I hadn't been so careful, I may have gotten it sooner and worse.
I found my lump 3 years before they felt a biopsy was necessary. Although they "watched it" it was barely visible on any test. By the 3rd year I insisted on having it removed. Everyone was surprised when it was cancer and not the cyst as suspected. I am fortunate that it had not spread more than it did.
During that detour in my life, keeping a blog, gardening and art projects kept me centered and connected. They were and still are the best vehicles to carry me to the heights and depths of this journey.
A year later, a friend's mammogram found a lump; the doctor said it was small and they would "wait and see." Remembering my story, she insisted on a biopsy. Over a series of tests, they found multiple cancer sites and she needed a mastectomy.
This year, our mutual friend's annual mammogram showed suspicious spots. She elected for a biopsy; they were pre-cancerous and she had a lumpectomy.
I believe that every challenge in life brings an opportunity to learn and help others who follow. This belief kept my heart and mind open during the months of surgeries, chemo and radiation, and continues to help me support others going through that difficult period.
I cannot emphasize strongly enough to get your annual mammograms, and be proactive if you find a lump. Talk seriously to your doctor about a biopsy, find out what it is, and don't "wait and see."
Folsom, CA
