At the age of 36, I received the shocking news that I had breast cancer—a reality I never believed would be mine. It turns out, cancer is indifferent to age, gender, or lifestyle choices.
My youngest child was just a baby when I began to feel discomfort. Whenever I picked her up, she would rest her hand on my upper right breast, and I noticed an increasing tenderness in that area, especially after taking off my seatbelt or cross-body bag.
Concerned, I visited my gynecologist, who identified a small, palpable mass and recommended a mammogram alongside an ultrasound. I quickly arranged for the tests, and within 48 hours, the results were in. There was indeed a mass, but it seemed non-threatening—though my radiologist later explained that detecting cancer in dense breast tissue is akin to “finding a snowflake in a snowstorm.”
Despite my initial confidence—after all, I was relatively young, healthy, and had no family history of breast cancer—I was referred to a breast surgeon who insisted on a biopsy. I approached the situation with a sense of calm, having previously dealt with benign breast masses. It was familiar territory, or so I thought.
When I returned for my results, iced coffee in hand, I was certain of good news. Instead, I left the office with the weight of a cancer diagnosis. The moment my doctor mentioned the dreaded word, I could hardly focus on anything beyond the terrifying terms that followed: mastectomy, chemotherapy, and MRI.
For weeks, I couldn’t even bear to say “cancer.” I referred to the mass simply as “the problem.” Even during appointments with my new breast surgeon and oncologist, I struggled to acknowledge my diagnosis, despite it being the reason for my visits.
After undergoing an MRI and genetic testing, my surgeon presented me with two options: a lumpectomy, followed by radiation, or a bilateral mastectomy with the possibility of reconstruction. My genetic results came back negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, leaving me puzzled. I was the picture of health—using natural products and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Through extensive research, I came to a sobering realization: breast cancer is not rare. One in eight women will be diagnosed in her lifetime, and 5% of those cases are women under 40. Only a small percentage of breast cancer cases are linked to genetic mutations. This made me reflect on the randomness of illness; why was I chosen? Despite my healthy habits, cancer had found its way into my life.
I kept my diagnosis private as I faced the daunting decision of whether to keep my breasts or opt for a mastectomy. I didn’t want the influence of others swaying my thoughts. Instead, I spent countless hours researching and reflecting. I created a pros and cons list, trying to convince myself that the less invasive lumpectomy was the right choice. However, I knew the risk of recurrence was higher.
One sunny afternoon, I watched my husband playing with our four children in the backyard, their laughter echoing in the air. The thought of leaving them without a mother terrified me. It was then I decided that I would part ways with my breasts. I informed my doctor, and four weeks later, I was in the operating room.
After surgery, my tissue and lymph nodes were examined; fortunately, my nodes were cancer-free, marking the operation as a success. However, I still had many choices ahead regarding follow-up treatment, which came with its own set of risks and challenges.
Now, two years post-mastectomy, I have no regrets about my decisions. Though I am considered cancer-free, I grapple with medical trauma and anxiety. Each day presents challenges, but I’m profoundly grateful to be alive.
I urge every woman to perform regular self-exams and prioritize their annual mammograms. While these appointments can feel inconvenient and even intimidating, they are critical. Trust me; I never thought I would face cancer, yet I did. Early detection made all the difference. No excuse is more valid than your health and wellbeing—your family needs you, and you deserve to take care of yourself.
For more information on fertility and home insemination, check out this excellent resource: Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
Summary
At 36, Jessica Carter faced an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting the importance of regular mammograms and self-exams. Despite her healthy lifestyle and lack of family history, she learned that cancer can affect anyone. After careful consideration, she chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy, ultimately feeling grateful for her life and health. Every woman should prioritize her health and schedule routine screenings.