Learning about this journey....

So, I'm learning things I really never wanted to learn about. But at the same time, I am glad I am getting educated and it makes me want to be involved. There are a million good causes out there, Breast Cancer Awareness being one. But once it hits your family directly, it makes sense to take up that cause and become more self-aware and see to it that others can be as informed as possible.

I'm so proud of my Mom doing her self-exams, and that is how this was caught. She found this lump, scheduled an immediate mammo which DID NOT show this lump. The saw only a cyst which was confirmed when she had an ultrasound. It was only at that ultrasound when she said, "that's not where I feel a lump" did they investigate and find the cancer.

So, ladies. Do your self-exams. And do not wait if you feel something abnormal. Machines aren't infallible. They aren't perfect, but you still need a mammogram. They do catch things many a time. But nothing catches more than a self-exam. So do it.

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer. Those odds are staggering. They blow my mind.

Did you know that most women who develop breast cancer do NOT have family history of it.
That surprised me, I think I was under the impression that this was mostly hereditary. In my family, there is no one else in our history with breast cancer. My Mom is the first from both sides.

There is a test to determine if the "breast cancer gene" or the BRCA1 and BRCA2 are in your genetics. I have decided NOT to have this testing done.
I don't disagree with those who will have this test done, and in many cases it will be very helpful. But to me this just screams FEAR!!! And if I have the gene, it doesn't mean I will or will not get breast cancer. So why add extra worry? I choose not to live in that fear. Personal decision, but I feel very confident about it.


I know I'm going to be learning a lot more as we journey down this path. But there are a few more things I know

My Mom is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She is also one of the most amazing people I know. She is infectious. Everybody loves her, because she loves everybody. She is joy. She is beaming. She is HIS light. And I have no doubt God is going to use her with every tech, nurse, doctor, person she comes in contact with during this. She is going to make people want what it is she has. I am so proud to be her daughter.