When I turned 40, I began having annual breast mammograms. I always got the form letter that stated it was normal. They reminded me to continue to do self exams between mammograms.
I had another normal mammogram in November 2013. In April 2014, I felt an unusual mass in my right breast. I saw my OB right away and she referred me to the breast center. They took many more pictures and my films looked unchanged since November. An ultrasound and biopsy found irregular, shadowy cells. Those cells turned out to be Lobular Breast Cancer. Nobody ever told me that Lobular Breast Cancer will not be detected with a mammogram. I always had a sense of security that I was "ok" when I got the good news in a form letter. I was NEVER told that lobular breast cancer will only be detected with an MRI. I have since had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and am waiting to see my oncologist about whether I will need chemo. If I can help one person or save one life, I will continue to tell every woman I meet to check yourself. Lobular cancer is very sneaky. It snuck up on me, but I am currently kicking it's ass. 💖
Blaine, MN