Today I invite you to think Pink! The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer and October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) is still a distant thought. In October awareness campaigns will start up and funds will be solicited all in the name of hope in research. I'd encourage you when that month arrives to research where (if you should choose to) your donations are going. I've recently stumbled upon this thought provoking site Think Before You Pink. BUT this article is not about donations. I'm asking you to think Pink this month. Consider that breast exams should happen routinely and not just when a national campaign urges us to.
As parent's, we find ourselves often busy. Changing diapers, shuttling kids to sports practice and planning social gathering with friends. We forget to check ourselves or do it sporadically (the way I did) Current statistics say that women my age shouldn't worry about this number 2 killer of women. Especially if we are under 40. I'm here to tell you otherwise and encourage you to stay on top of your health and be your own advocate.
My name is Bobbie. I publish this newsletter, along with the help of my husband. I am the wife and mother of three beautiful boys, ages 7, 6 and not yet 2. Earlier this month the age of 31 shortly after weaning our "MK Baby" sadly now MK Toddler, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Stage 3 Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer to be exact. I will go later this week to see if it's spread beyond the lymph nodes and chest muscle it was additionally found in after mastectomy. I will pray and hope it's not Stage 4.
When I first noticed something was odd, the tumor didn't feel like a lump. I didn't think anything of it and let a few months pass. In early May, I lost my uncle to an 8 year battle with cancer. I had also recently stopped breastfeeding my son and decided this was a good time to recheck the "alien" Something was indeed there. I made an appoint with my doctor and waited. The Doctor suggested it wasn't of concern and that it may be left over breast milk and offered a diagnostic mammogram. After all, besides being a bigger gal, I don't meet any of the standards for breast cancer risks. The only tale-tale sign it was cancerous as that the shape of my breast had begun to change. I attributed this to breastfeeding.
Risks for breast cancer include:
- A family history of breast cancer
- Age- Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you age. About 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers are found in women younger than 45 while about 2 of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women age 55 or older.
- Being overweight-overweight women are thought to produce more estrogen and some cancers are fueled by this hormone. Although the link is not fully understood.
- Starting your period early.
- Early menopause
On June 6, I underwent a radical mastectomy of the breast with delayed reconstruction due to potential radiation that may be needed. After surgery, I now know cancer is beyond the breast and radiation in additional to chemotherapy is needed. I am gearing up for a battle for my life.
Signs for breast cancer include:
- A change in how the breast or nipple feels (tenderness, lump, enlargement of pores etc)
- A change in how the breast or nipple looks. (Dimpling, unexplained change of shape, inverted nipple etc)
- Nipple discharge- any discharge especially if your not breastfeeding.(particularly clear or bloody)
If you notice any of these signs, please see your family physician. I encourage both men and women to check their bodies. Cancer occurs at all ages and men also get breast cancer! Early detection is the key to survival.
