Vicky,*
a seven year breast cancer survivor, considers herself
very blessed. She graciously shares her story and hopes
that someone will learn something from it.
At
age forty three, she was diagnosed with breast cancer
by mammogram. She had been putting off getting it done,
because she heard it hurt. She credits her mother with
saving her life:
"My
mom was always on me to get a mammogram. She says she
just felt that I needed to have one. I kind of blew
her off. I didn't think I had any real risk factors
-- none of my female relatives had had it, and I did
my self exams somewhat regularly and had a doctor's
exam yearly. She must have been inspired because she
kept nagging until I finally gave in.
When
I got the call to come in to the doctor's office to
discuss the results I was stunned, I mean if the news
is good they usually just give it by phone. My husband
was out of town, and so I went in and set up my appointment
for a biopsy by myself. I didn't tell anyone for three
days, I think I was in denial. I
went in for the biopsy, after my husband returned, then
we went in to get the results.
My
doctor is the sweetest woman; she cried with us for
a minute and then was all action. Within minutes she
had me an appointment with a wonderful oncologist.
I
did have to have a mastectomy, but because it hadn't
spread it was a fairly simple procedure as far as those
things go. I did have to have chemotherapy, but again
I was blessed. I did lose some of my hair, but the nausea
and unpleasantness was minimal.
After
my surgery they referred me to a support group. At first
I thought I didn't need to go, I was one of the luckier
ones. The next weeks turned out to be so emotionally
overwhelming I finally met with the group. They were
nice and very helpful. It is good to talk to someone
who has a real idea of what you have been through, because
she has been there too. One thing they advocate is that
survivors get the message of early detection out, so
I do try to share my story, even though it isn't the
most dramatic survival story I have ever heard."
*
Name has been changed to protect anonymity
Facts
from American Cancer Society
1
in 10 women will develop breast cancer at some time
during her life, but the disease is most common in women
over age 50.
Risk
factors:
- Over
age 50
- Personal
or family history of this cancer
- Have
never had children
- You
had your first child after age 30
The
ABC's of breast health
A-
A screening mammogram every year starting at age 40
B-
Breast self-exam every month starting at age 20
C-
Clinical breast exam by a health care provider every year
if you are
age 40 or over, every 3 years for women age 20-39
Mammography
Guidelines
"A
mammogram is a low dose x-fray of the breast. A mammogram
can find
cancers too small to be felt by a woman herself, or by
her health care
provider. Mammogram's can also show changes in the breast
tissue that
could be a sign of very early breast cancer. When used
with physical
examination of the breast, mammography has proven to be
effective in
saving lives." (Breast Cancer, 1998, American Cancer
Society)
Between
ages 35-39 have a baseline breast x-ray. Ages
40-49 mammogram every one to two years depending on your
physician's judgment. Age
50 and older mammogram every year
At
any time you find a lump, nipple discharge, or other changes
in your breasts see your physician.
The keys are Prevention and Early Detection
1.
Regular Self-exams- see other listed information for instructions
or
contact your local public health office.
2.
Regular Clinical exams.
3.
Learn to talk to your health care provider, it may help
to write down your questions/comments beforehand to help
you.
4.
Keep records of your visits.
5.
Women's health or support groups.
6.
Become educated about breast cancer. Here is a list of
several
support and education resources:
Education
services
Support services-
www.y-me.org
www.bcsupport.org
www.winabc.org
www.healingwell.com/breastcancer/
y-me organization at 1-800-221-2141
YWCA at 1-800-95-EPLUS
As Vicky says: "I could have kept putting off the
mammogram; my mother not only heard a lot about it in
the media, but she also listened to the prompting of the
spirit which inspired her to insist I get tested and get
information. I now value each day and thank Heavenly Father
not only for a mother who listens to the spirit, but for
the advances in medicine and education that made it possible
for me to have survived these past seven years and counting."
Cancer is a silent disease, take charge of your own health
and let it be silent no more.
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How
to do a Breast Self-Exam
One
of your best defenses against breast cancer is preventative
screening. Women should start checking themselves monthly
for any changes in their breasts at the age of 20.
Breast
self-exams are very important to allow yourself to become
familiar with how your breasts feel. Knowing this information
will help you be better able to detect any changes.
Most breast lumps are found by women doing their own
self-exam, although many turn out to not be cancer.
The
biggest benefit to performing self-exams monthly is
that when lumps are found early breast cancer can be
treated more successfully.
The
American Cancer Association gives the following guideline
for Breast Self-Exams
1.
Do your Breast self-exam (BSE) right after your period,
when breasts are not tender or swollen. If you do not
have regular periods, do it on the same day every month.
2. Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder.
Place your right arm behind your head.
3. Use the finger pads of your three middle fingers
of your left hand to feel for lumps or thickening in
your right breast. Your finger pads are the top third
of each finger.
4. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels.
If you're not sure how hard to press, ask your health
care provider. Or try to copy the way your health care
provider uses the finger pads during a breast exam.
Learn what your breast feels like most of the time.
A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.
5. Move around the breast in a set way, such as in circles
or up and down. Do it the same way every time. It will
help you to make sure that you've gone over the entire
breast area, and to remember how your breasts feels.
6. Now examine your left breast using right hand finger
pads.
7. Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing,
with one arm behind your head. The upright position
makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of
the breasts (towards your armpit). You may want to do
the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower.
Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your
skin is wet and soapy.
8. You can also check your breasts for any dimpling
of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling
while standing in front of a mirror right after your
BSE each month.
IF
YOU FIND ANY CHANGES SEE YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
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