Growing up in a home riddled with domestic violence, I was always told to keep quiet about personal matters. Even though my family grew out of that phase, keeping quiet still remained a huge part of my life. The last few days, I have been encouraged to be open because it will help someone else.
I felt a lump in my breast a while ago. I pushed it off. I didn't think too much about it. After all...ALL my yearly mammograms came back clear. I had a breast reduction 10 years ago and I believed it was scar tissue. As I became engulfed with other things in life, I didn't pay attention to my body like I should have. I went to my OBGYN for a routine visit and mentioned the lump casually. She was quite concerned. I still wasn't and wondered why she was. She referred me to a surgeon who ordered a mammogram and sonogram. They didn't know what the lump was. I still believed it was scar tissue. So, finally a biopsy was ordered. Last week, it came back positive for breast cancer. As the doctor/surgeon reviewed my records...I was floored. I am scheduled for a double mastectomy on October 16th. I am nervous but I know this is for a greater good. Not just for myself, but to tell the story to help someone else. I already have spoken to women that have had concerns about themselves. I encouraged them to see their doctors, and not to second guess, to make sure they are in the clear. I want to be a positive example of a woman who has had the courage to no longer keep silent but to encourage others to act proactively. Information only helps when it is told.
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Kansas City, KS
