BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is from October 1 through October 31. Today and next week I
want to honor and highlight this most important month!
I am sure we all know someone, either a family member, friend, colleague, client, or ourselves
who have battled breast cancer. I have known each of these up close and personal.
Cancer and cardiac are the two big C’s in my family. For years, I secretly dreaded someone in
our family would go through breast cancer. And finally, it happened. My aunt by marriage,
Virginia was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer which had unfortunately already
spread. She lived an incredible length of time before losing her battle.
Then, her husband, my maternal uncle Jack (who was my godfather) was diagnosed with breast
cancer a few years later. Yes, men get breast cancer, too! He went through treatment which
was successful and had no recurrence. Jack and Gini's daughter Carla was diagnosed a few
years after that. Her valiant story will be featured next week.
Professionally, I had the honor of working in oncology for many years as a social worker and
then as an RN in radiation oncology. I had many clients with breast cancer from all walks of life
and all levels of income. Breast cancer is an equal opportunity disease! I provided emotional
support both individually and in support groups for those going through initial and follow up
treatment and evaluation. Some of my clients did not make it while others did!!
Many women have fibrocystic breast tissue. I am one. My first breast cancer scare was in my
thirties before I was in nursing school. I am sorry to say I was pretty ignorant in those days,
although I remember being afraid. Fortunately, I was clear.
I am also sorry to say I was not diligent about monthly self-check ups even after that initial
scare. I have been very lucky to have primary care physicians who are persistent about yearly
checkups.
Fast forward to this year. Within a matter of weeks, two friends and I were faced with breast
cancer scares. One was diagnosed with breast cancer, one had to go through a biopsy which
was negative, and I had to go through advanced testing. It was a VERY stressful time! I was
much more scared this time. Fortunately, I was ok this year. I reached out for support which is
something I have not done in the past.
I REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET SUPPORT, GET YOUR YEARLY CHECKUPS, AND
DO YOUR OWN SELF BREAST MONTHLY EXAMS! WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN
OUR FIGHT!
Here is a link for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month from the Breast Cancer
Foundation which is very helpful and informational.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is from October 1 through October 31. Today and next week I
want to honor and highlight this most important month!
I am sure we all know someone, either a family member, friend, colleague, client, or ourselves
who have battled breast cancer. I have known each of these up close and personal.
Cancer and cardiac are the two big C’s in my family. For years, I secretly dreaded someone in
our family would go through breast cancer. And finally, it happened. My aunt by marriage,
Virginia was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer which had unfortunately already
spread. She lived an incredible length of time before losing her battle.
Then, her husband, my maternal uncle Jack (who was my godfather) was diagnosed with breast
cancer a few years later. Yes, men get breast cancer, too! He went through treatment which
was successful and had no recurrence. Jack and Gini's daughter Carla was diagnosed a few
years after that. Her valiant story will be featured next week.
Professionally, I had the honor of working in oncology for many years as a social worker and
then as an RN in radiation oncology. I had many clients with breast cancer from all walks of life
and all levels of income. Breast cancer is an equal opportunity disease! I provided emotional
support both individually and in support groups for those going through initial and follow up
treatment and evaluation. Some of my clients did not make it while others did!!
Many women have fibrocystic breast tissue. I am one. My first breast cancer scare was in my
thirties before I was in nursing school. I am sorry to say I was pretty ignorant in those days,
although I remember being afraid. Fortunately, I was clear.
I am also sorry to say I was not diligent about monthly self-check ups even after that initial
scare. I have been very lucky to have primary care physicians who are persistent about yearly
checkups.
Fast forward to this year. Within a matter of weeks, two friends and I were faced with breast
cancer scares. One was diagnosed with breast cancer, one had to go through a biopsy which
was negative, and I had to go through advanced testing. It was a VERY stressful time! I was
much more scared this time. Fortunately, I was ok this year. I reached out for support which is
something I have not done in the past.
I REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GET SUPPORT, GET YOUR YEARLY CHECKUPS, AND
DO YOUR OWN SELF BREAST MONTHLY EXAMS! WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY IN
OUR FIGHT!
Here is a link for thIs year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month from the Breast Cancer
Foundation which is very helpful and informational.

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

Blessings for now,
Carolyn