There's nothing magical about October for looking after your breast health, but why not start now? So, let's jump in to these six important tips to keep your breasts healthy and your mind at ease in case you ever need to deal with a serious illness.
1. Make sure to get a mammogram every year, okay? I get it, you've probably heard this a million times. But let me explain why this is so important to me. Before I was diagnosed, I was told that I didn't need a mammogram every year. They said every other year was fine because my mom's breast cancer was post-menopausal, so my risk wasn't any higher than if she'd never had it. But once I got diagnosed, everything changed! I was constantly asked why I wasn't getting a mammogram annually. I felt guilty even though I was just following my doctor's orders and had to fight with my insurance to cover the early mammograms I had in my 30s. If I had gotten one the year before my diagnosis, the disease would've been caught earlier. By the time they found mine, it was a 5cm mass (no chance of saving the breast) and it had spread to my lymph nodes (no way to avoid chemo. I know mammograms are uncomfortable. And yes, they can be scary. It's tough to face the reality of potentially finding something. But let me ask you this, what if you skip it and they only find it when it's too late? You'll regret (like me) not going every. single. year.
2. If you ever get diagnosed with cancer, pre-cancer, or something to watch out for, don't panic. Getting a diagnosis doesn't mean it's game over. Survival rates are getting better every year, and treatments keep getting more advanced. So, if you're dealing with some tough news, just take a deep breath and start making a plan. You've got time for that, I can assure you.
3. Part of your game plan will probably involve hiring the right doctors. I like to use the word "hire" because it shows that you're the one calling the shots. You have the chance to meet with different candidates and pick the ones that suit you best. Plus, most insurances will actually cover this – no joke! Personally, I met with 12 different doctors before choosing my team of four (medical oncologist, surgeon, radiation specialist, and reconstruction surgeon). You might also consider reaching out to a cancer doula like Talaya Dendy to help you navigate the non-medical aspects of dealing with cancer. She's been through it herself and now she's helping others professionally. She's truly a lifesaver.
4. Make sure to research your situation thoroughly. Go online and check out reliable websites for information. Avoid Reddit or Facebook groups as they can be overwhelming and misleading. Look for sources like the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, or the Cleveland Clinic, which are usually trustworthy. You'll know you're on the right track when the content you find is helpful and informative.
5. Pick a treatment plan that suits you best. When I was talking to different doctors, they gave me options like going for the standard chemotherapy or trying out new medicines in a trial phase for the type of cancer I was facing. I got to decide whether to start with chemo or surgery, whether to have radiation or not, and whether to have reconstruction or not. You actually have more say in this than you think. So, don't hesitate to ask questions. Find out why starting with chemo before surgery could be a good idea. I was skeptical at first, but it started making sense once I understood the reasons behind it. Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of each step. Remember, it's your body. Even if some doctors can be pushy, trust your instincts. Ultimately, go with what feels right for you.
6. Don't rely on half-baked ideas you stumble upon online for your health and well-being. I'm a massive fan of alternative, complimentary, and integrative therapies that are implemented alongside traditional, trusted medical treatment. But I'm not into unproven concepts that claim to be a substitute for proper medical care. Your health is way too important to mess around with sketchy, unexplored quick fixes.
Bonus tip: I get that dealing with a serious illness can be super scary, but you don't have to handle it all by yourself. Reach out to others. You'll be amazed at who steps up to bring you food and other comforting stuff, give you rides to appointments, keep you company, and lend a helping hand. I'm really thankful for all the support I received. It truly makes a huge difference.
Thank you Erika!