Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I was thinking about how to spread awareness, and so I thought I’d share how I first discovered I had breast cancer.

Ellie was just over a year old, and I was still nursing. If you’ve ever breastfed, you know there are all sorts of pains and lumps and sensations you can feel in your breasts. So when I felt a lump, I assumed it was due to a clogged duct. It didn’t hurt though, which was odd, because clogged ducts usually are very painful. That was the first red flag. This lump didn’t hurt.

Then I noticed a little indent, like a little dimple, on my breast. I thought I was probably overreacting, but something made me call my doctor to get it checked out.

When I saw the doctor, she didn’t seem worried at first. There I was, 35 years old, healthy, busy mom of 2. Surely the lump would just be related to breastfeeding.

She asked about my family history. I do have a history of breast cancer in my family. And then I pointed out the dimple on my left breast. That’s when I saw the realization in the doctor’s eyes. She tried to hide her reaction, but I saw it. She suspected cancer. She didn’t say it out loud, but she didn’t have to. Her eyes said it for her.

From there on it’s a blur. The next few weeks consisted of multiple appointments and tests – mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, and many consults with various doctors.

Ultimately I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Her2+ Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

I wouldn’t have started getting routine mammograms until age 40. And it would have been too late.

Trust your gut. I knew something was wrong. I didn’t think it was cancer necessarily, but I knew I had to get it checked. And I’m so grateful I did.

You don’t have to wear pink or donate or sign up for a walk to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Be aware of your own body. Do monthly self exams. Get routine mammograms if you’re eligible. Trust your intuition. Advocate for yourself if you think something is wrong. You know your body best. 💗

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