October 1, 2023
Until recently, I thought breast cancer was an affliction that primarily affected older women—those with a smoking history, a family background of the disease, or perhaps those who indulged in questionable beauty products. I was mistaken.
When I discovered a lump in my right breast back in April, I didn’t hesitate to contact my gynecologist. Having previously had two benign lumps removed, I expected yet another surgery. After undergoing an ultrasound and mammogram, I felt relieved when I received the initial report: everything seemed normal.
However, a week later, I called my doctor again, convinced something was amiss. The lump had grown larger and was increasingly painful. My youngest child, still under a year old, would inadvertently bump into it as I held her, and even my seatbelt and cross-body bag caused discomfort. I was advised to see a breast surgeon.
During that visit, I underwent another ultrasound and was scheduled for a biopsy. I remained hopeful that my “dense” breasts were simply acting up again and expected the results to confirm I was okay.
Two weeks later, I returned to my surgeon’s office. Clad in an uncomfortable maroon medical gown, I couldn’t help but wonder who designed these things. They were anything but comforting. The doctor entered with an iPad and, after a brief chat, delivered the crushing news: I had breast cancer.
I hardly absorbed anything beyond that point. She illustrated her points with cartoonish drawings of breasts on her iPad, peppering the conversation with daunting terms: mastectomy, MRI, chemotherapy, radiation. I left her office clutching brochures and an MRI order, my world forever changed.
In the days that followed, I struggled to eat, my anxiety spiraling. I went through the motions of caring for my four kids, but emotionally, I was either numb or breaking down in the bathroom. My mind raced with one haunting question: Was I going to die?
Then, one Sunday afternoon, while gazing out at my family splashing in the pool, I felt utterly disconnected. I sensed I was saying goodbye, even though I was still here. That’s when I realized my thoughts were absurd. I was a wife, a mother, a sister, a friend, and a writer. I had a purpose, and I refused to let cancer take that away from me.
That moment sparked a decision: I was going to face this battle head-on. I secured an appointment with a renowned breast surgeon at a prominent cancer center. After another mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI, my doctor discussed my diagnosis of DCIS and presented two treatment options: a lumpectomy with six weeks of radiation or a mastectomy.
At just 35 years old, the typical choice for women my age is a lumpectomy to preserve their natural breasts. However, DCIS has a high recurrence rate in younger women like myself, often returning in the opposite breast. When I asked my doctor about the likelihood of recurrence if I opted for a mastectomy, she said it would be around 1%. That made my decision clear: I would undergo a mastectomy and bid farewell to cancer.
Eight weeks after my diagnosis, I had a bilateral mastectomy, opting for a nipple- and skin-sparing, direct-to-implant procedure. Essentially, all of my breast tissue was removed and replaced with implants while preserving my outer appearance. I’m currently in the early stages of recovery, growing stronger and more determined to share my story.
Though my experience is deeply personal and frightening, I understand my responsibility to spread an essential message:
If you suspect something is wrong, trust your instincts. That nagging feeling often signals a truth that could be life-saving. Women possess a unique intuition—listening to it can change the course of your life.
Less than 5% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are under 40, and I am part of that statistic. I had minimal risk factors, yet here I am with a new set of breasts and a daunting diagnosis to record on medical forms. My journey of healing and recovery began because I heeded my intuition. I urge you, dear readers, to do the same. Listen to your inner voice when it speaks.
This October, as we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s take a moment to reflect and support those in need. For more information on at-home insemination and family planning, check out this at-home insemination kit from our blog. For additional expert insights, visit this resource on the topic. You can also explore this excellent resource for more on pregnancy and home insemination.