I Am A Survivor

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. One in eight women in the US will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It is the the most common Cancer in American women that's why it is so important that you check your breast regularly for any changes or anything that doesn't feel or look normal. If you are at the age (40) to start getting a mammogram make sure you follow up to get your yearly exam. Early detection saves lives. 

Back in 2004, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I was several months away from my 40th birthday, to be exact 5 months. Back then I wasn't too concerned about breast cancer because most of the data out there was geared towards people who had a history of breast cancer in there family.  I didn't fall into that category, but still diligently performed myself examination until it all changed one day. 

At first,  I didn't feel the tiny lump in my breast, my first symptom was pain in the left side of my left breast. I immediately thought it's probably the the underwire in my bra pressing against my breast in that area causing the soreness.  So I changed up and starting wearing softer bras without the underwire support. I gave it a few days and the pain didn't go away. So I did a more deeper exam of my breast, pressing down more firmer. See I have what they call dense breast, lots of dense tissue more than fatty tissue. Dense tissue makes it difficult to feel the tumors. I eventually felt the tiny bump in my breast, it was shocking. I went through so many emotions at that moment that I couldn't begin to describe. 

My symptoms were not typical.  As most data shows breast cancer does not come with pain. The symptoms are different, I didn't exhibit any of the common symptoms. 

I immediately made an appointment to see my Gyn. She did an exam and referred me to get a biopsy. I wasn't prepared for the results because like I said breast cancer doesn't run in my immediate family. After being diagnosed in May of 2004, my journey/fight to becoming a survivor started. I thank God everyday that I survived and for giving me the pain in my breast as a signal that something abnormal was happening in my breast. 

I also thank God for giving me a spirit of obedience to take immediate action to go to the doctor to find out what was going on. 

Be relentless in doing your self-examination and don't skip your yearly mammogram. It can be caught early and and save your life. 

Lucy 

Jeremiah 33:6  Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people an will let them enjoy abundant peace and security