At 39 years old, I find myself in a position I once thought was far-off and ancient. As a child, I remember believing that turning 40 was akin to entering the realm of the elderly. Now, here I am—married, a mother of four, and a writer—still unabashedly posting pictures of my breasts online.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I discovered a lump during a self-exam at just 35. A quick call to my gynecologist led to an ultrasound and my first mammogram. Due to my dense breast tissue, the mammogram was challenging. I was informed that locating a lump was like trying to find a snowflake in a snowstorm. Fortunately, the ultrasound identified the lump, which appeared to be non-threatening, but a follow-up was recommended in six months.
However, I couldn’t shake the discomfort of uncertainty. I sought a second opinion from a breast surgeon who conducted her own ultrasound and recommended a biopsy. After undergoing the fine needle biopsy, I took a family vacation. Upon returning, I received the shocking news: I had DCIS, stage 0 breast cancer.
My immediate reaction was, “Why me?” I was a busy mom with an infant, living a healthy lifestyle, and had no family history of breast cancer. Yet, breast cancer is more common than many realize; one in eight women will face a diagnosis in their lifetime.
Anxiety consumed me, especially with my diagnosis. Although I knew DCIS was treatable, the weight of the “C-word” was overwhelming. I was presented with the choice between a bilateral mastectomy or a lumpectomy followed by radiation. After much thought and prayer, I opted for the mastectomy, despite the conventional recommendation of lumpectomy.
I kept this decision mostly to myself, fearing judgment or that I might not survive the surgery. Ultimately, the choice to have a mastectomy proved crucial as my pathology report revealed previously undetected invasive breast cancer.
Once I shared my mastectomy journey online, I felt a duty to remind women about the importance of self-exams and mammograms. I utilized the power of images; the more I posted about my experiences, the more attention I received, and the more women were encouraged to check themselves.
Sadly, 2020 brought increased censorship of women’s bodies on social media. Many breast cancer survivors and previvors shared images of their scars, only to have their posts removed for violating guidelines. The breast cancer community pushed back, emphasizing that these images were not sexual but rather a means of raising awareness.
Despite the risks of being reported, I, along with many others, continue to share our stories and images online. Our bare chests and scars are vital reminders for women to perform self-exams and advocate for their health. Some of our posts are humorous, while others are serious, but all aim to empower women to prioritize their health.
Breast cancer does not discriminate based on age, race, or lifestyle. It can appear unexpectedly, making regular self-exams and mammograms essential. It’s easy to forget these crucial steps amid the chaos of daily life, but my posts will keep appearing, even if they make some uncomfortable. After all, facing breast cancer is far more uncomfortable.
I’m grateful to use my platform to encourage women to take charge of their health. I’ve received countless messages from women who, inspired by my posts, scheduled mammograms or reminded friends to do the same. Some have shared their own diagnoses, while others experienced close calls. Each message confirms that my journey with breast cancer serves a greater purpose.
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