October means it’s breast cancer awareness month and with that comes a lump in my throat, a general sense of irritability and an avoidance to things pink. Because, like many women, I’m aware of breast cancer … well aware … too aware.
We had just returned from a family photo session the day after Christmas when we all walked in the house with our awkwardly-matching outfits. My mom said “I have some news.”
We all stopped and stared at her. “I have breast cancer.” I felt the blood drain from my head and sat down at the kitchen table. What followed next was a barrage of questions: When was the diagnosis? How did she sit through Christmas with this news? What stage was the cancer? What was the treatment course?
What we came to find out was that the cancer was small and in its early stages, but it was a rare type of triple negative breast cancer. It was particularly aggressive and liked to find a home in other parts of the body. We were about to take a bazooka to a fly on the wall and obliterate the small little pest with a recommended treatment of chemo and radiation. The important news was that, with treatment, her 5-year survival rate was 95% due to the fact it was found so early.
Crisis averted. Or so we thought.
A few months into her course of treatment, she developed pneumonia. Not surprising, since the chemo also kills your immune system. A few weeks of no improvement and worsening lung functions, we opted for the lung biopsy to see how to treat this stubborn infection. A few minutes into the biopsy the doctor called from the operating room. “A chemical burn has hardened her lungs and they are stuck to her rib cage. There is nothing we can do,” my dad relayed to me.
We called all our relatives and friends in to say good-bye. My brother and sister were out of state and we kept my mom on life support until they were able to join us. The day we had reserved to shop for my sister’s wedding dress was the day we held hands in prayer and said good-bye.
At 56 years old, the cure had killed her.
The worst part of this story is that it is NOT unique. Hundreds of thousands of people have watched a loved one endure a difficult diagnosis and treatment plan and more have had to say goodbye to a monumental woman (or man) in their life too soon because of this wretched disease and the complications from its treatment.
So, good-bye, to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hello Breast Cancer Action Month.
Here are some things you can do:
- If you are over 35, schedule your baseline mammogram. A mammogram is way more comfortable than than your kid accidentally shoving an elbow into your breast. Both Lexington Medical and Palmetto Health have services offering mammograms. Extended hours and mobile screening units make is convenient for busy moms.
- If you have a family history of breast cancer (my aunt was diagnosed shortly after and is a survivor) call your doctor to discuss your options about further imaging via ultrasound or MRI. The Medical University of South Carolina has a program dedicated to people who are at high risk for breast cancer.
- Remind the women in your family to get screened. Mom, grandma, aunt, cousin, friend, stranger at a concert, whoever! All these women mean a great deal to us. Let’s make sure breast cancer doesn’t rob you of one of these women (or men, because they can get it too)!
- If you know someone who is currently waging war against this enemy, send them a card, email, meal or contribute toward housecleaning service. The fight is mentally and physically exhausting. Anything that will lift the spirit will make the journey easier.
Thanks to awareness, there has been an increase in funding and that has resulted in more people with access to screening, safer treatment options, opportunities to make informed decisions with genetic testing, and better survival rates. But turn that awareness into action. Get screened, ask your loved ones to get screened and support those who are living with the diagnosis.
