Breast Cancer Awareness {the importance of breast density}
I was actually in the middle of writing a post that I will share with you all next week when I decided it might be a good idea to share my story again.
I ran into some old friends the other night who gracefully shared with me how thankful they were that I wrote and shared my story.
That many have probably benefited from it. I hope so. That was my reason for writing it.
But it’s so nice to hear that others have.
It is a good feeling to know that out of something bad, good can come.
So with that, and in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I thought I would re-share my post from last year.
Actually, 3 posts I wrote last year.
I am a breast cancer survivor (for those that don’t know) and these posts contain my story.
I wrote them in hopes of bringing awareness in more ways than one.
There are so many who are still not aware of breast density and the important role it plays in determining your risk, present and future.
Thankfully, that is changing and more and more women are learning and being told of their breast density so they can make an informed choice.
And be informed.
So very important.
If you’d like to read my story I have a link to it below….
Please feel free to share.
It was not an easy post to write but sharing information and bringing awareness to this subject was the sole purpose for my writing it.
xoxo
Nancy – I want to thank you for sharing such a personal story – I know what courage it took to put it all on paper and I know I will be asking my dr all density at my next appointment. You are an inspiration to me in many ways and I so appreciate all of your posts!
Hi Michelle,
Yes, honestly it really did! I wasn’t sure I had the courage to hit that “publish” button. But I did even though I was scared to bare so much of “me” in the process. Because ultimately it wasn’t “really” about me.
Even though it is my story…it was meant for anyone and everyone who would read it.
Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know! :)
Nancy
Nancy,
I am 41 and recently (August 2014) had my first mammogram. Results showed that I had very dense breasts and an “abnormal” spot. I went back in for another mammo and an ultrasound. Those results showed that I have a 2cm & a smaller mass that appears benign. I was told to self exam frequently, come back in 6 months, and if anything changes report it immediately. The problem is that I can not feel the two masses at all. I’m writing to tell you, thank you. Thank you for sharing your story. Even though I was told I had very dense breasts, I did not know until I read your story that this was not good in detecting cancer. I had never heard this before despite all the October pink “awareness”.
Normally, I’m not a “commenter”, but I felt compelled to this time. I will be reading up on breast density and arming myself with information. Once again, I can’t thank you enough for your courage and concern for others. It has made a difference to me.
Hi Monica,
Thankfully they were able to detect it. Yes, please do keep up with that. And, please, with dense breasts, request another type of test as well. (Ultrasound or MRI) Especially since you had an abnormal spot. Stay on top of it…be your own advocate, protect yourself.
And yes, therein lies the problem! Dense breasts are not rare. Why it is not talked about more is beyond me. But I am grateful that this is slowly changing thanks the organization I mentioned.
Thank you for being a “commenter” today and taking the time to leave the message. :)
All the best to you!
Nancy
nancy, i just had my mammys grammed yesterday and being the smart girl i am i had the tech read my last report…. i have fibro cystic breasts not dense…i had asked my doc but was just double checking after reading your courageous story…. even though that sounds scary it really isn’t a great cause for concern (i looked it up on mayo clinics website) us women have to learn to take charge of our health never ever be afraid i asking questions and double checking doctors are not gods and medicine is not an exact science thank you for posting this xx
Hi Chris! Yay! Good girl. :) You are so very right about that! I think too many are though but we can’t be. We have to protect ourselves and not blindly follow Doctors just because they are Doctors.
That’s not enough. We need to be informed so we can follow through with anything that does not sit right…or something we question.
I am so glad you were so thorough!! Makes me happy happy!! :)
Nancy
I was honestly just thinking about you (and others I know who have been affected) as we entered the month of October. So glad you reposted your story Nancy as this nasty disease has touched so many and I have no doubt reading your story will help, encourage, and support another.
Hi Marie :)
Aw thanks so much my sweet friend!
xo
Nancy
I’m always inspired by you, Nancy! And, YES it is nice when some good can come out of something bad.
Aw thanks Denyse!! :) yes, it very much is!! Makes life purposeful…and meaningful!
Nancy
Dear Nancy….we understand the inner emotions while you were going through the treatments, and the wariness of the remission periods which we hope will be extended for the rest of your life. Our older relatives weren’t encouraged to have awareness, deciding to go with the don’t go to the doctor, then you won’t be told that you have it. Now, we had cancer in our immediate family and were treated with modern experience and methods. My husbanc did have some consequences , which he daily takes care of, but he is now “Mr Clean”. Everyday, we give thanks.
I am not the only one who wants to give you encouragement and positive thoughts. Which I do, most heartedly. I remember the times when you didn’t have to lock the car, or the front door, a handshake was a contract, but I trade all that for the modern medicine that has helped us, and others such as yourself.
Your mind is full of ideas and creations. Exhileration for the mind and the body…..Eileen
Hi Eileen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. :)
I am so glad your husband is now doing so well. That is a blessing!
And I know what you mean…those times are missed, but yes, modern medicine is not taken for granted.
Yes…creativity is nourishment for the spirit, the soul!
Nancy
I’m glad you shared again. It’s such an important story!!
xoxo
-andi
Thank you Andi! :)
xoxo
Nancy
Nancy,
I did not know you were a breast cancer survivor. My mother is as well. I just had my mammogram for this year and thankfully it turned out perfect. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
Have a great day!
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
Yep, I am. Yes, definitely stay on top of it! If you have dense breasts be sure to ask for extra screening (besides mammograms) :)
Nancy
Thanks so much for sharing this. I had a mammogram in Feb. and had to go back for another mammogram and ultrasound in March. Nothing was there and the tech told me that I did not need to come back for another year. However my Dr. told me that I needed to go back in 6 months to see if anything had changed. It took a lot of courage ( I hate going to the Dr.) but I went back and she ordered another ultrasound and mammogram, which insurance will not pay for. They just called last week and said everything was fine, that it was the dense breasts issue. Your story has helped me rationalize why these extra tests are necessary.
Hi Nan,
I am so glad to hear everything was normal and fine. But with dense tissue, I would hope that you would continue with the ultrasounds along with the mammograms each year.
If you have very dense tissue, mammograms are almost useless (50% or more) in detecting cancer.
You sound like you are on the right path! :) I am so happy to hear that my story helped make sense of it for you.
All the best to you!
Nancy