If You Have "Dense Breasts," You Need to Read This
Just over one year ago, I went for a mammography. Less than a week later I received a letter in the mail telling me that my mammogram was normal but letting me know I have dense breasts. One email I received also said, "There is no mammographic evidence of malignancy. A 1-year screening mammogram is recommended. The patient will be sent a letter. "
The problem is that dense breasts are not normal. Well, they are technically normal in that they're naturally occurring and common — but if you have dense breasts, as I now know, you require further tests. They come with an increased risk of cancer. The letter does state that I should talk to my physician. Shouldn't I have received a call from my doctor explaining this? Shouldn't my doctor have been required to inform me that I needed further testing? Are they not required to do anything other than a vague letter that says "normal?"
I'm a smart woman. I take charge of everything in my life. I'm a happily divorced mom of two boys. I'm a business owner. I'm a go-getter. I'm the one who makes things happen and gets everything done. I'm the one who believes I can have it all. I'm the one who thinks I do it all. So how did I not know to ask for a sonogram? How did I not ask more questions?
Probably because the letter said "normal." Probably because I'm busy. Probably because I thought nothing was wrong. Probably because I had no symptoms. Probably because I usually just worry about my kids. Probably because I had no family history. Probably because life is hectic. Probably because I never worried that I had breast cancer.
Then in November, I felt a pain and a tiny lump on the left side of my left breast. I assumed it was associated with my period. I forgot about it. Or it went away. Then the feeling came back in December. They say cancer doesn't hurt, but I listened to my body this time.
I went in for a sonogram. I knew right away the results wouldn't be good. The pain wasn't the cancer, but it was likely an irritation from the two small malignant tumors in my left breast.
Since I have been public about my journey, I have heard from friends and acquaintances who also have dense breasts. I have heard that many have requested further testing because of my story. So now I'm sharing this and I'm asking you to please share it too. I know my story will help.
Remember this: If you have dense breasts, ask for a sonogram or ultrasound. Every time. Learn from me. I'm lucky. I had early detection. And it still meant over a year of treatment that completely sucks. If I had a sonogram last August, I can't help but wonder if the cancer would not have spread to my lymph nodes. I can't help but wonder if I would not have needed the aggressive chemo that I just completed. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if "normal"said "further testing required."
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