Women are strong by design. We are the ones who quietly face monthly challenges, nine months of pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, annual inspections of awkward nature and all the while embrace our beauty and set an example of strength for our children of both sexes. It's a lot, but I wouldn't give it up even if given the choice. My daughter Ruby and I discuss this regularly. To be a woman you are forced to be strong and that is what I love about it.
I turn 40 in just a few weeks which is the age women are advised to start having annual mammograms....woooohooo...the fun never stops! Seriously though, mammograms are something we have to get used to and for my latest appointment I also chose to be screened for risks of developing breast cancer.
Hello 40!
For one reason or another, my doctor (at the time) ordered my first mammogram at 35. I assume due to family history because that's what I always thought was my biggest risk since my maternal grandmother had breast cancer. I had another mammogram at 37; different doctor, same precaution. Recently I had my third mammogram, but it was because I am turning 40. As part of my journey to Mount Shasta, I also had a breast cancer screening appointment at Breast Care Center at Concord Hospital, NH to see if I was a good candidate for genetic testing. Using the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool I learned that I am actually below average risk for developing breast cancer in the next 5 years. The factors considered include personal medical history of breast or ovarian cancer, age, known genetic BRCA1 or 2, early menses, age of 1st pregnancy/live birth, race, and 1st degree female relatives (mothers, sisters, daughters) who have had breast cancer. Since my grandmother was diagnosed after 50 (she was 65), my cousin Aimee had negative genetic test, and I have had a child, my risks are lower. I had NO idea?! Obviously science has advanced since the early 1980's when my grandmother battled breast cancer, but the stigma of family history has not. I felt foolish not knowing all of this before, but am relieved that I used my resources and discovered more so I could share what I have learned to benefit others.
The first time I had a mammogram was kind of difficult. Who wants to have their breast squashed? Not me. Anyway, in case your approaching your 1st...you go into the room with a stranger who has you take half of your johnny off and expose yourself, which many of us find just a little awkward. Then you have to press your breast up on the little shelf of cold glass. Finally, your breast gets fully compressed into two pieces of flat glass and you hold your breath while the technician goes and takes an image. You do this at least 4 times, providing the images are good. My first time we got to this critical point of squoosh when the technician says to me, "Oh, I guess I need to get the extra small film". OUCH? Kick me while I'm down why don't you?! I will NEVER forget that moment and it continues to make me laugh. We are strong and resilient as women by nature. Humiliation, exposure, harsh comments, embarrassment....please! We are tougher than that. If this is what I have to do to survive, so be it. If this is what I have to do to stay healthy and be around to see my daughter grow up, so be it. It's all worth it.
Ruby & Mama photos by Amy-2007
Signing on to this journey with the Breast Cancer Fund has been an amazing, emotional experience personally and very educational as well. Family history is always discussed concerning our risk of developing cancer. The most important component of our risks of developing so many different types of cancer is our exposure to toxic chemicals. Strangely, this is not discussed during breast cancer screening. To learn more about how to prevent your exposure to known cancer causing products, used by us all daily, visit the Breast Cancer Fund's website-please! http://www.breastcancerfund.org/
Also consider loading the Think Dirty application on your phone or tablet to easily scan your health and beauty products and consider cleaning up your bathroom shelf, or at least your children's bathroom shelf, to limit their exposure to these terrible ingredients liked to developing cancer.
While on the topic of reducing our risks of developing breast cancer, let me tell you about my favorite Super Survivor Carol!
When I climb Mount Shasta this month I will carry a prayer flag for my dear friend Carol a.k.a. Nina or Nina Bear to her grandchildren. Carol's journey is one I am so honored to share. Carol is my best friend Amy's mom and has always cared for me as one of her own. Over 20 years ago Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy and I were just starting college and her two brothers were college age and younger as well. Everyone in Carol's life was devastated by the slightest thought of losing Carol but being the matriarch, she stayed strong. Her family relied on her to be confident, calm and in charge as she always was despite her diagnosis. She bravely faced radiation on the cancerous breast and it thankfully worked. This was a brush with fate that shook Carol's whole family to the core, but Carol rose from the ashes like a phoenix as we all expected and life
went on.
Adam & Carol with their three children Nathan, Amy & Brian
Eighteen years later I got a call from Amy. I get calls from Amy all the time but as soon as I answered and heard her voice I could tell something was wrong. Carol was once again, diagnosed with breast cancer in the same breast as before. It didn't seem possible and I could sense Amy's fear over the phone. This time it was different; Carol needed her family to carry her through this second fight. Amy described her mother as a tiny bird with a broken wing who needed the most delicate care and support from her family every step of the way. This time, Carol's family would need to be strong for her as she had always been for them for so many years. Carol's breast cancer this time around was different. The cancer came back to the same breast, which had been previously exposed to intensive radiation and Carol was now also older. The choices she was presented with came with a different response and a different attitude from Carol and her family. The extent to which the doctors could go in order to preserve her breast seemed foolish to Carol. Simply going through with a mastectomy and reducing her risk seemed simple and practical this time around. At the same time this would be devastating and terrifying.
Carol & Amy during Carol's 2nd battle with breast cancer
Amy documented Carol's journey with compassion and care. I invite you to read some of the posts and learn more about the different types of cancers Carol faced and how she chose to treat her breast cancer but more importantly, face life:
Amy & Carol...cancer free!
Carol won her second round of breast cancer with dignity and determination. During a recent visit I was struck, once again, by Carol's loving guidance and positive outlook on life despite the unreasonable challenges she has faced. She is living her life to the fullest, spending as much time as possible with her family and enjoying life's most simple pleasures. Carol has supported me on my journey to Mount Shasta and helped me better understand how breast cancer has impacted my life. Her guidance has helped me understand why it is so very important to reduce the risks for myself and for my family. I am so blessed to have Carol and her family in my life and am grateful for her victories over cancer.
My climb up Mount Shasta is just 2 weeks away. In honor of all who have supported my journey and Carol's DOUBLE win over breast cancer I have DOUBLED my fundraising goal!
Each Climb Against the Odds climber raises a minimum of $6000. I have raised my goal to $12,000 and I am getting close with just days left to fundraise! Every little bit counts! Thank you to those of you who have supported me in every little way. Your support has overwhelmed and uplifted me! Donate, share this link, get the Think Dirty app, and make an appointment for a mammogram and/or breast cancer screening! Together we can reduce our risks!
With love & gratitude, Cristin
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