Why I am Making Strides...
I am also a breast cancer survivor! I had a mammogram on Dec 22, 2014. They found something. I went back again Dec 30 for another mammogram and sonogram. Biopsy was on Jan 14, 2015. They found a .9 cm lump in the back of my breast on my chest wall. We could not feel it nor see it. It was diagnosed as cancer. I was in shock! MRI on Jan 20 revealed no other cancer. Lumpectomy was on February 4, 2015, and the nodes were not affected. I had 34 days of radiation from March 30 - May 14.
So my message is: Ladies, get your mammograms! Early detection is the key. Because my cancer was so small they were able to be proactive and remove it fast. I did not need chemo, thank goodness.
When breast cancer is found early, it can be easier to treat. If you are 40 or older, get a mammogram and breast exam every year and report any breast changes to your doctor right away. Sign up for our breast cancer screening reminder and we’ll remind you to receive your screening; recommended screenings are based on our latest early detection guidelines.
You can help reduce your breast cancer risk by maintaining a healthy weight throughout life, being physically active on a regular basis (the ACS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week), and limiting alcohol intake to less than 1 drink each day for women (2 drinks for men).
I am making strides because I know I will make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer. I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, I will help save lives from breast cancer.
Laurie McKay