The Day I Found a Lump – and Why Breast Self Exams are Important

July 10, 2019 was a “normal” day. I was busy at work preparing for the fiscal year end audit. I was preparing for my first 10k so I took to the country roads after getting home from work. I felt great and jogged a whole 10K for the first time. I was so proud – and so sweaty. I jumped in the shower when I returned home. That is when I felt a lump in my right breast.

Medical experts debate the value of breast self exams. Many well known medical organizations including the American Cancer Society do not recommend them anymore. I cannot emphasize this enough:

I found my breast cancer when years of annual mammograms did not. A breast self exam is part of the reason why I am still alive today.

I had annual mammograms at a local hospital for 9 years before my diagnosis with Stage IV Breast Cancer. Those mammograms did not detect my breast cancer. A mere 9 months before my MBC diagnosis, my mammogram did not detect cancer. My oncologist told me the cancer had been growing and spreading for at least 2 years. That means at least 2 mammograms did not detect the cancer.

Today I am at Siteman Cancer Center South County. I had blood tests and saw my oncologist. I am starting back on 1 of the new chemo pills on a gradual basis to see if I can tolerate it with medication for the side effects, I am in the chemo pod waiting for treatment #85.