I lost a friend and mentor of mine to breast cancer and have been vigilant about getting my mammograms every since. I was 45 years old and four months late for my yearly mammogram this year. When I made my appointment, the receptionist said they offered 3D mammograms but it would be $50 out of pocket since insurance didn't cover it yet. With my dense breast tissue, I decided to do it. Little did I know it would be the best $50 I EVER spent.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind. March 14, 2013 was my initial mammogram. March 28th I went back for additional 3D views and an ultrasound. The radiologist was very suspicious of two areas in my right breast. April 1st was my MRI. April 2nd was a double needle biopsy. April 4th was my breast cancer diagnosis. On April 26th, I had a nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. No known family history and my BRCA was negative.
Two of the five tumors they removed were sent to California for Oncotype DX testing and it was found that the side effects of chemotherapy would not outweigh the benefits. My cancer was ER and PR positive and HER2 negative. I was put on Tamoxifen for 10 years (or until I hit menopause). I also get a Zoladex implant to stop my periods every month for two years reducing the hormones in my body. A study in Germany shows this is just as effective as chemo for my type of cancer. No chemo, no radiation. SO lucky...
I am a poster child for early detection. I have been very open about my diagnosis as well as urging my friends and family to get their mammograms and encourage everyone they know to do the same. I know of several women that have found issues that needed to be addressed. One woman actually had the same diagnosis and surgery I did.
I am not shy about my story and am more than willing to share it with everyone that asks. Being proactive has saved my life.
West Palm Beach, FL
