Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Some news and a PSA

While exploring a local bookstore with my mama today, she mentioned my aunt ordered a book I had reviewed on my blog.
My reaction immediately was "Mimi reads my blog?!?!" followed shortly by "Whoops, I haven't posted in awhile..."
So, thanks to my wonderful aunt (HI MIMI!!!!) I finally remembered to stop in and give y'all an update!

Sadly, there isn't much to report. It's midterms, so my life has been full of studying and working.
It all paid off for once - 92% on my bio midterm! 
(Take THAT, adviser who doubted my science abilities)
other than that, it's just been keeping my head down and getting through. At the end of the summer I was thrown a few curve balls, and looking back (and getting permission) I have decided it's an appropriate time to share.

My family got hit with a huge blow. The last week in August, the last Tuesday as a matter of fact, I received a phone call from my mother. She had had a breast biopsy the day before, and her doctor called in her results as soon as possible. 

My mom had low grade breast cancer.

This is not the first time my family has dealt with cancer. Both of my biological grandmothers and one of my step-grandmothers have fought lymphoma, as has my mom's brother. My great aunt passed away from lung cancer. My great grandfather passed away from melanoma. 

Not many of you know my mom. We have definitely had our ups and downs in the past, but ever since I started college we have grown a lot closer.
 My mom is incredible. 
She goes above and beyond when she can for those she loves
(even when they don't deserve it.)
She is always the calm, cool, collected one in crisis, 
putting on a strong front to support everyone else.

This time, we had to be strong for her.

The breast biopsy came after her regular, routine mammogram. (Ladies, who cares if it's uncomfortable. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor - get 'em checked!)
Soon after the biopsy results came back, mom's friend, an oncology doctor (and former boss), managed to get her an appointment the same week.
Surgery was the best route. 
Mom, being the optimist that she is, chose a double mastectomy over a lumpectomy with radiation.
"I finally get my boob reduction!" was her explanation. 
(Everyone in my family has a large chest. Mom and I were the same size - 38DD)
A few doctors appointments later, Mom had a surgery date. 

September 19th was the day my mom had both breasts removed.
(She helped move my sister's large furniture the night before.)
I asked her beforehand if she was nervous. Joker that mom is, she simply replied "my boobies are."
Surgery went amazingly well. A six hour long procedure and she was sent home the very next day.
She even joked about twenty minutes after she was brought back to her room that this is the flattest she has been since she was ten years old.
She is currently doing extremely well. There is no sign of cancer anymore, and as long as she stays on her meds for five years, we can tentatively say she's cancer-free. She is getting reconstructive surgery early next year.

 My mom is a breast cancer survivor. 

That is one sentence I never thought I would say, but I am damn glad I get to use the word survivor.
October is conveniently Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Consider this the closest I will ever come to a PSA.

Ladies,
do self checks once a month.
get your yearly mammogram after age 40.
Pay attention to your body.
Please.



1 comment:

  1. i'm so sorry to hear the news. your mom is in my prayers!

    andrea brionne
    @HIM+HER

    ReplyDelete

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