Dear Family and Friends, Since it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I decided I wanted to share my story: Women are reminded of the importance of regular mammograms and self-exams, looking for lumps that may be a sign of breast cancer. I have been having regular mams since I was 34, due to the history of cancer in my family. About a year ago,one of my nipples started bleeding and I just figured I had scratched it or something. There were still no detectable lumps. but the sore never healed. When I did see the doctor, he immediately recommended a biopsy which determined I had ductal carcinoma in-situ. I was sent to Huntsman Cancer Institute where I underwent multiple mammograms, ultra-sounds and an MRI. Another mass was discovered in the MRI. (Note: still no lumps.) I chose to have a complete mastectomy, in which they discovered the mass was breast cancer. Fortunately, all the cancer was removed and I was able to avoid chemo and radiation, and am doing really well. The point I want to emphasize- Be aware of other signs that may be warning you! (You may even have a prompting, as did one of my friends.) Dont ignore them! Regular mammograms and self-exams are important but they may not always be enough! I am not writing this as a way of advertisement by any means, but for more information go to nationalbreastcancer.org, or, if you may need financial assistance and have questions, check out cancerutah.org (in Utah- other states may have something similar.) It doesnt hurt to be informed. :) Love, Linda
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 02:48:26 +0000