“Every person fighting cancer has a story that teaches the world about courage, endurance, and love.”
October is significant as it is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. This month provides an opportunity to pay tribute to those who this disease has impacted and to underscore the crucial importance of early detection, education, and support for individuals affected by breast cancer. To foster greater understanding and take proactive measures, Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a time for people to come together in the battle against this widespread illness.
In November eight years ago, our family experienced the heartbreaking loss of my mother to breast cancer. Her journey was one of incredible resilience as she bravely battled the disease for five years. She faced each day with unwavering determination throughout those years, displaying remarkable strength and courage that inspired everyone around her. Her steadfast spirit and resilience continue to be a source of inspiration for our family and all those who knew her.
It's hard to believe that eight years have passed since she left us. Eight Mother's Days and eight Christmases have gone by without her. Losing someone you love is truly overwhelming, and it completely transforms you. Grief has a way of gripping you and altering you in countless ways.
I can still clearly recall the moment when I received the life-altering call about my mother's breast cancer diagnosis. It marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey that seemed to have no end for five long years. The roller coaster of emotions revolved around surgeries, scans, and blood tests, creating a constant cycle of hope and fear. Witnessing my mother endure a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation was both heartbreaking and inspiring. When the news finally came that she was free from cancer, it felt like the roller coaster was finally slowing down. However, a year later, it picked up speed again, hurling us into an even more intense and unpredictable ride, as if to say, "No, you're not done yet.
My heart aches as I recall the relentless return of cancer, which spread to her liver, lungs, and brain. My mother, a fighter through and through, bravely battled the disease for so long. With her devoted husband of over 50 years by her side, along with two children, a caring daughter-in-law, and two cherished grandsons, she had so much to live for. During her final chemotherapy session, she appeared fragile, struggling to stand and comprehend things as the grip of brain cancer became evident. As my father and I conversed with the doctor, I observed her delicately tracing the faces of her grandsons on a blanket I had custom-made for her, a poignant reminder of the precious family she treasured. One week later, she was gone.
My mother always made sure to schedule her annual mammogram without fail. The importance of regular mammograms for women's health cannot be overstated. These screenings can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages, often before it can be physically detected. This early detection can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. By undergoing regular mammograms, women can stay ahead of any potential abnormalities or changes in their breast tissue, allowing for timely medical attention if needed. Prioritizing yearly mammograms enables individuals to safeguard their health and catch any issues at their most manageable stage. It's an essential aspect of being vigilant and taking charge of one's overall well-being, particularly in the battle against breast cancer.
Due to my family's history of breast and ovarian cancer, I faced uncertainty about my health as an adopted child with no medical background. After consulting with my doctor, we initiated yearly scans five years earlier than recommended. During my first mammogram, an abnormality was detected, leading to a biopsy, which fortunately came back negative. It was only later that I discovered my birth mother had fought breast cancer, prompting me to take the BRCA test, which also came back negative. Despite this result, it doesn't guarantee immunity from potential cancer risks.
During October, the spotlight is on increasing awareness about breast cancer. However, I firmly believe that the importance of regular testing, yearly mammograms, cancer screenings, and taking control of one's health should not be confined to only one month annually. It's crucial to have discussions with your healthcare provider about which screenings are appropriate for you, whether it's for colon cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or any other relevant health concerns.
Let's continue to support and uplift those impacted by breast cancer and work together towards a future where early detection and effective treatments are accessible to all.
MOUNTAIN MINDSET
If you or someone you care about is battling cancer or needs to schedule a mammogram, it's crucial to provide and seek out support. You can show your support by being an empathetic and attentive listener, offering to accompany them to medical appointments, or assisting with their day-to-day responsibilities. Finding support through cancer support groups, professional counseling, or reaching out to loved ones can also offer solace and resilience during difficult periods.
