Today is October 1, 2023. I feel blessed to be able to write this as I often wonder what would have happened if I had not trusted my instincts.

In 2019, I went for my routine exams, and I brought up that I had a lump on the bottom near my bra line. I had mentioned to my primary care doctor that I had a family history with breast cancer and that it worried me. She ofcourse sent me for a comprehensive diagnostic mammogram, and they found no issues, I had very dense breast tissue, the lump was not a concern, and the only thing was a slightly widened duct.

The doctors were trying to reassure me that it was nothing at which I responded, my mom had Pagets in her nipple, which came out of her ducts and it was a cancer that does not form lumps but is more in the ducts as loose cells that do not take on a lump shape. I insisted on further diagnostics.

Next was an MRI with contrast. Again, i was told, there was nothing to see, just dense breast tissue and fibrocystic breast changes, and that duct was still visible. I insisted on a biopsy. They did schedule me a d eventually did a biopsy and marked the duct in question and even after biopsy, they were continuing to claim that there was nothing to worry about. I knew better. My MRI lit up like a Christmas tree on fire and i had been having these quick sharp pains that my mom had described throughout her breast cancer experiences. When the biopsy came back positive I got angry with the staff for spreading false hope and for not believing me. I felt it was wrong for them to assume and make claims. They did apologize and I requested that the nurse practitioner at the breastcancer clinic would not interact with me any longer as she had totally lost my confidence vote.

Today, I am cancer free, and here to tell my story. Had I not advocated for myself, I may have not been able to do so!

I would like to remind everyone to check your breasts for changes – even if you are a man! Men can get breast cancer too, you have the same tissue, but no attention is given to them. Do a self exam on the same day every month, and if you notice a change, if your boobs are giving you sharp burning pain shoots, or if your gut tells you something is wrong, go seek out a doctor so they can do testing. Breast self exams and mammograms are only limited tests, so if you have a suspicion, speak to your doctor for additional tests.

For the self exam instructions, please visit the guide on Breastcancer.org.

Note that I had DCIS and this is not detectable on a mammogram, but was detectable with contrast on an MRI. If your gut tells you something is off, listen!

In addition, I want to say a prayer for those who are currently fighting, that they will stay strong, and never give up hope and know that I pray for you!

To those who lost their fight, they were strong, and fought their hardest fight.and their families fought right along with them. I pray that their families may find comfort in knowing that their loved one is no longer suffering and at peace.

To all survivors, that it will be a thing of the past and that you will stay clean of cancer and that you will continue to take things one step at a time every day a little better as you recover.

To those who are going to be diagnosed for strength. When you are diagnosed, an overwhelming pile of emotions and medical chores come your way. It is truly a crisis situation. Let it happen, do not try to comprehend or think, instead, go with the flow, and just take things one step at a time.

At the end of all of this, cancer is ugly, there is nothing positive about it. It affects you in every single aspect of your life. It does not mean however, that you should steer clear of it, or ignore it, because waiting is much scarier than catching it and taking care of it.

In recent months, my mom has been battling with her cancer for the 4th time. She is doing well, though she is no longer considered as curable. She has stage 4 breast cancer that spread to her lungs and spine. I am so super proud of my mom. She is following the treatment, trying to make every day worth while, and staying super positive that she will make it another 10 years. Mom has a strong will and a super positive mind, and even though cancer is scary, it does not stop her from trying to make the best out of every single day. She has set a goal for herself to make it another 10 years. I pray for my mom that she can live towards her goal of 10 more years with the best possible quality of life, without pain, without suffering, and still able to do whatever she wants albeit a little slower than when she was 50. I love you mom!