“Knowledge is power!” I heard that somewhat cliché statement many times as I progressed in my career in the cable industry. But those words took on new meaning at a personal level when it came to my health and my family’s journey with breast cancer.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, I was already well-versed in being a medical mystery and no stranger to “experimental” diagnostic approaches and treatments. Having been diagnosed with Lupus at 26, I had spent years dealing with myriad symptoms that were ultimately attributed to my autoimmune condition. Through this experience, I learned the importance of educating myself and becoming my own health advocate.
Ten days after my 40th birthday, I had my first mammogram, and they found a suspicious lump. I was a busy working mom of a 2-year-old and 4-year-old, so when my biopsy came back as benign, I could have just let it go. But something just didn’t feel right.
I knew that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, so I went into education and self-advocacy mode. I spoke with the radiologist who recommended an MRI-guided biopsy. This new, experimental diagnostic approach was not widely available, so I was glad to have the option. The biopsy identified two 2+ cm tumors/ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in my right breast. I was “lucky” in that they found it early and I did not require radiation or chemotherapy, but I did have a right mastectomy and reconstruction.
Following my mastectomy, I had genetic counseling. I was only tested for BRCA, and my results were negative. Then in 2018, after a move to Denver, I started seeing an oncologist at a women’s practice and she recommended that I again have genetic counseling. I learned that testing was now available for many more genetic mutations. I was tested for 62 different mutations, and I found out I had a mutation called ATM, which can also cause breast cancer.
Then my challenges were to decide what to do with the information and to learn more about where the mutation came from. My mother was adopted, and my father was one of 13 children (who were all deceased by this point), so it was difficult to gather my family history. It was assumed because of family size and a history of cancer that it came from my father’s side.
To prove this assumption, my mom and sister also got tested. My sister’s test came back negative for all of the markers, but my mom tested positive for the BRCA mutation! This was a huge surprise, but it saved her life. She had just been diagnosed with cancer in one breast. With the knowledge that she was BRCA positive, she scheduled a bilateral mastectomy, and the pathology showed cancer was in both breasts. Armed with these genetic testing results, I saw a specialist and was prescribed Tamoxifen for five years as a preventative measure to minimize my risk of recurrence.
Many women delay or avoid having mammograms. Many women ignore their own health. Many women won’t agree to have genetic testing. The common factor is fear. As a widowed single parent, I live my life to the fullest and know it is critical to take care of myself and to be my own health advocate. I am a strong advocate of early detection and arming yourself with as much knowledge as possible. Knowledge is not only power, but knowledge is also empowering. Knowledge can reassure you, curb your fears and save your life. Live well, stay strong and Think Pink®!
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Take charge of your own health, like Karen. The Assess Your Risk™ tool from Bright Pink® is a great place to start. Visit AssessYourRisk.org/ZTA, complete the short assessment and immediately receive personalized information regarding your risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
