Breast Cancer Touched My Family

Breast Cancer Touched My Family

Back in October I shared about Breast Cancer with you, I partnered with Saint Agnes Hospital Comprehensive Breast Center to share with you the importance of knowing your month to schedule a mammogram.  I even shared 8 Things You Need to Know about Breast Cancer, featuring expert commentary from Dr. Griffiths.  Now I’m sharing with you how breast cancer touched my family twice, both in different ways, and why I am an advocate for promoting breast health.

Three years ago my mother had a stroke, she was out shopping for wedding dresses with my sister, when she started to feel ill, my sister quickly took her to Saint Agnes Hospital Stroke Center.  Although my sister got her there quickly they couldn’t give her the medication to break up the blood clot due to a bleeding ulcer.  Our lives changed that day in so many ways.  After the stroke my mother needed to have a long list of test ran to make sure they weren’t missing anything, one was a mammogram.  Prior to her stroke she wasn’t having it done despite multiple letters reminding her that she should get one done.

It didn’t take long for the results to come back and it turned out my mother had a lump in her breast.  She was required to have a series of tests done to make sure it wasn’t cancer.  Thankfully it wasn’t cancerous, however her doctor decided to continue to have her get a mammogram yearly for the past three years, just as a precaution.  Her month is December and we all make sure she keeps the appointments because it’s better for us to be aware of any problems as soon as possible.

This year my family was touched my breast cancer in a very different way.  My aunt was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer.  Life for her has been very hectic.  My cousin has been helping take care of her, making sure she makes it to all her appointments doing all she can to help her mom.  Seeing her go through her process breaks my heart and I wouldn’t want anyone to have to experience what they are going though.  Knowing that she’ll be gone soon and there’s nothing they can do about it, that has to be the worst feeling in the world.

Saint Agnes Hospital wants to make sure you know all the facts about breast cancer.  Do you know your month?

I hope that my story encourages you to get your mammograms, or encourage those you love to get their’s done.  Early detection is key to fighting breast cancer.  Visit the What’s Your Month website for more information.