BOOB Talk

Today is National Mammography Day

The word "boob" might seem inappropriate, but not as inappropriate as skipping your yearly mammogram—early detection is no joke

There I was, sitting at the table in one of those too-small white gowns, open to the front.

I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in," I called out, and in walked my oncology breast surgeon—not wearing a white coat, but with kindness in her eye as she stepped through the curtain.

Her first words to me were, “You’re going to be OK.”

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I believe she could say that because, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been diligent about getting my yearly mammograms.

Year after year, they had all been negative.

But 2024 was different.

This time, they found something—abnormal cells within the milk ducts of my breast.

They had taken up about 3.8 cm of space, and my doctor estimated they’d been lurking there for six years, only now detectable by mammogram.

Interestingly, this abnormality hadn’t shown up in an MRI just seven months earlier.

You see, my father died of breast cancer. I was determined that wasn’t going to be my story.

Thanks to early detection, it won’t be.

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Today, I’m sharing my story because I want you to mark your calendar—if you haven’t already, get your mammogram scheduled.

Early detection is no joke. It saved my life.

I have Stage 0 Breast Cancer, known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Though I’m waiting for an MRI to confirm it’s non-invasive, the prognosis is positive.

The next steps include genetic testing to determine any potential link to my father's cancer—information that will be important for my daughters, sons, and grandchildren.

It’s going to take a couple of weeks to get the results back.

I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon next month.

Once we have all the information, the decision will be made—either a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy with breast reconstruction.

I’m leaning toward a mastectomy for peace of mind, but nothing’s decided yet.

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A friend texted me last night, saying, “Dang, not many people get to choose their boobs—you get to pick whatever you want!”

That made me laugh. And laughter, as you know, is a great antidote to fear and sorrow.

Bringing humor or playfulness into any situation doesn’t downplay how serious it is, but instead helps us move through it with more clarity.

My doctor told me that this is 100% curable and that I could easily live another 30 or 40 years.

For that, I am immensely grateful.

This is a second chance, a literal one.

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So, here’s my message to you: If you haven’t scheduled your mammogram yet, please do it today.

I don’t know what would’ve happened if I’d waited another couple of years.

This did not show up in a breast exam or an MRI—it was only detected through a mammogram.

We need all three tools—mammograms, breast exams, and MRIs—to save lives.

I want you to have a beautiful second act.

I’m not special, and if I can walk through this, anyone can.

Early detection saves lives.

Don't wait.

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Here are some helpful resources for women to get mammograms:

1. Planned Parenthood
   Planned Parenthood health centers offer affordable mammograms and breast cancer screenings. Find your nearest center on their website: Planned Parenthood Health Center Locator.

2. National Breast Cancer Foundation
   This foundation provides free mammogram services to women in need through its network of local hospitals and clinics. You can search for help here: National Breast Cancer Foundation's Free Mammogram Program.

3. Susan G. Komen
   The Komen Foundation offers a Breast Care Helpline that can connect women with free or low-cost mammograms in their area:
   Phone: 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)
   Website: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Screening Resources.

4. CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers low-cost or free mammograms and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved women across the U.S.: CDC Early Detection Program.

5. American Cancer Society
   The American Cancer Society offers guidance and support in accessing mammograms, including where and how to get screened. Their website also provides information on financial assistance programs: American Cancer Society Mammogram Assistance.

6. YWCA Encore Plus Program
   The YWCA offers free breast and cervical cancer screenings, including mammograms, through its Encore Plus Program in various regions across the U.S. Visit their site to learn more about local availability: YWCA Breast Cancer Programs.

These organizations can help you find affordable mammogram options and support in your area.

This world needs you.