Just put this out on my blog - any comments welcome
I've been thinking a lot about the busy, busy friends I only communicate these days with online and that I really wanted to get the message out to so I've put this up on my blog - feedback welcome!
Please forgive any typos as I'm just coming out of chemo day and the fingers/brain connection doesn't work so well... This is something that has been bothering me for a few weeks so I'm getting it online for all of my friends and family and hopefully for you all to pass on to others.
GET YOURSELF CHECKED FOR BREAST CANCER.
You've probably heard the stats; 1 in 8 Australian women before aged 85; 49 per day; over 17000 Australian women per year (and nearly 300 men). That's a pretty wide ranging bullet. Some of those people will have family history - many of them haven't.
Different states (and countries) do things a little differently. In South Australia you are eligible for a free breastscreen from age 50 (earlier I believe if there's significant family history). There is no excuse to not do it. It takes so little time. Yes, I know you're busy with everything else and I know that you're scared about what might be found. But believe me, whatever may be there is not going to go away by not finding out and the sooner something is discovered, the easier the treatment. And breast cancer can be treated, with treatments improving all the time.
And by all means do you own checks at home in between. But not all breast cancers are lumps so find yourself a bright mirror and examine your breasts - nipples bleeding or retracted or flattened; check your skin, under and over, and look for anything that doesn't look right - flattening, dimpling, pulling, whatever and go to your GP. If your GP dismisses it, take it further. Many are great with this but unfortunately some can be dismissive.
Breast cancer can strike from teens and upwards but seems to become more common in the late 40s and up - an age group that I know many of you are reaching or have arrived into. If you are in the lower age group you may need more than a screening mammogram so if you hear "dense breasts" mentioned, then follow it up and ask for an ultrasound at least.
In my particular case, my cancer did not present as anything I could see or feel. My screening appointment mammographer (amazingly eagle-eyed ) saw something she didn't quite like the look of so I was referred for a recall. My particular little bundle of joy, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, never forms lumps as instead it travels along the planes of the tissue. It was seen clearer on ultrasound, barely at all on a CT Scan. But it was there and already spreading. My worst news - but for this sort of cancer, caught early. It's often not found until already well into the rest of the body. My current prognosis - cancer gone but chemo, radiation and hormones to mop up any micrometastes that may have escaped.
Am I pleased to be going through this? Well, any of you who have been following this blog will know that I'm raging most of the time. Am I thankful that this has been picked up, being treated, although oh so brutally, and that hopefully I have the opportunity to see my kids grow up and to enjoy my life after this interlude is over? Absolutely.
So, my hope is that those of you who are reading this, make an appointment if it's time for a screen (honestly it'll take about 30mins out of your day), and if you're not due or yet eligible, go on checking your breasts regularly. This goes for the blokes, too - not so many of you get breast cancer but the ones that do usually leave it late. And if you find something - do something about it. And pass this on to your friends and family. There's no excuse good enough to not do it.
Comments
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Awesome sister xo0
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Great Post! Like you, mine was invasive Lobular carcinoma & only found because my GP noticed something 'odd' when she checked my boobs when I was there for a pap smear! The surgeon was admiring of her 'wonderful fingers' for having picked it up 'so small' - as you say - it is normally missed until it is a major problem!
I'm telling all my buddies to get checked regularly & not just to rely on a mammogram - get the US as well - and make sure you have your GP check you thoroughly at least once a year.
If we can prevent ANYONE from it spreading further before it is 'discovered' - that is a good thing.
All the best for your ongoing treatment ..... I will be discussing tablets with the Onc Specialist in mid May xxx0
