CANCER? ME???

I have always been really good about getting yearly mammograms.  Having had a benign fibroadenoma (tumor) in my 20’s, I got my first baseline mammogram at age 35, and then at age 40 commenced my yearly mammograms.  I also get yearly pap tests.  So I am very diligent about those things.

I also have extremely dense breasts, so it’s even more important for me to get checked yearly.

This year, July 2nd, I went in for my regular mammogram, exactly a year from the last mammogram.  I didn’t expect anything to be out of the ordinary, so when they called for more slides and an ultrasound, I immediately tensed up and thought what???

Thanks to my friend who runs the mammography center, I had someone with me.  Because after the ultrasound, I said what do you think it is?  The radiologist looked at me and said it looks like it’s cancer.  I’m 99% sure.  I’m pretty sure I left my body momentarily upon hearing that.  Pure, stark fear entered me, and I went into a bit of a shock.  I can’t even describe what it felt like.  But people who have experienced cancer know.  In that instant, all the stupid, unimportant things you worry about just go right out of the window.  You are brought to a base level of thinking, and it strips away all the unimportant.

Fortunately due to my friend, and also my gynocologist, I was able to get a biopsy the next day.  A week later, it was confirmed to be stage 1 breast cancer.  I was actually very fortunate, in that the tumor was so small, about the size of a pea.  And if you had to have cancer, this one was good in that it was easily treatable with 98% survivability.  So began my journey.

If you were to have asked me, what 2 things scare me the most, I would have said getting put to sleep under anesthesia, and cancer.  And I got those two things at once, and the Lord began to show me how much He was going to care for me.  I struggled mightily as I met with a breast surgeon and scheduled my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy procedure.  I panicked, although I spent 2 weeks at the beach, which helped to distract, with my husband, children and grandchildren.  That was a blessing and I did find peace.

July 29th, 2 days ago arrived for my surgery.  To my surprise, I was calm and when they took me in to do my blood pressure, it was normal!  Totally the Lord, and it was as if I was watching from outside of me.  When they administered the anesthesia, it was a natural feeling, and I woke up naturally.

1 day later, NO pain at all.  Miracle!  Today, 2 days later, no pain!!  I’m so grateful.

I will recover, then meet with an oncologist later this month.  I am cancer free now, but they will want to do radiation to prevent local recurrence in the breast, and then hormone blockers to prevent recurrence in my entire body.  I will be blogging my journey with all of this.

The greatest thing I want to say to all women, is GET YOUR MAMMOGRAMS!  Early detection is so key!  Had I waited, or missed a mammogram, I would have been facing a much different situation.  Don’t delay, take charge of your health.

Moving forward, I will be focusing on wellness in my personal training business.  Both to help women to get healthy, to prevent situations that encourage cancer.  For example, my whole life I’ve struggled with a sugar addiction.  That totally feeds cancer, and raises inflammation in the body which adds the risk to get cancer.  I’ve kicked that and I feel so great!  I want to help women identify areas of risk and get healthier.  I also want to help women who have gone through cancer, establish an exercise routine, which is crucial for recovery and get on a program of health as well.

I am here if anyone needs support, encouragement, or wants to chat.  You can reach me at lisa@ahealthyfit.net or call 267-664-0229.

It’s time to take back control of your health!  TODAY!