Personal news on social media and here on Daily Kos can't be cute puppy photos and vacation pics every day, so now I'm going to share some not-so-great news with my larger group of friends and family. Last month I went for a routine mammogram. Already cringing about what is coming next? Me too. The routine exam turned to a series of follow-ups and biopsies and unfortunately it has been revealed that I do indeed have breast cancer.
Needless to say, this has come as a shock to me and my family. I am so extremely grateful to be surrounded by a wonderful support system of family and friends, especially my husband who is now my chief co-pilot as we begin to go down the road to recovery together. We have already met with numerous specialists and I'll be in the hands of KU Med's breast cancer surgical and oncology teams moving forward. There is no doubt rough days are ahead. I am trying to remain positive and I have confidence I'm being treated by the absolute best team in the area. Many of you may have questions and I know they'll be coming from a caring and well-meaning place, but please resist asking for more details. The truth is that the situation changes day-by-day, sometimes hour-by-hour. I will provide updates from time-to-time as I'm able.
I made the decision to share this with you because I want to emphasize how critical early detection is and the absolute need to get mammograms beginning at age 40 and every year thereafter. This has become somewhat controversial in recent years as some medical associations tilt toward starting at age 45 and the United States government's official recommendation is to begin at age 50 if you have no family history and only every other year thereafter. I'm 44 years old. This was my first mammogram. I had been smugly reciting these new guidelines to my OBGYN when she pressed me to get a mammogram every year since I turned 40. She resisted my smugness and relentlessly prodded me to get a mammogram. I will be eternally grateful for her persistence because I've been told in no uncertain terms that had I followed the guideline and waited, I would never have had that mammogram at age 50. I would not likely have survived until then.
Not one single specialist who we've met with thus far has agreed with these guideline changes. In fact, most become visibly angry. I've learned that the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which sets the guidelines, did not have one single breast cancer specialist on their task force. Not one breast cancer doctor, surgeon, radiologist or oncologist. It's shocking. It's immoral. It will cost too many women their lives. There have been incredible advancements in the treatment of breast cancer, but early detection is critical. You can bet I will now be dedicating a good deal of my time to bringing attention to this deadly mistake and I'll have more on that later.
Ultimately I can't change my history, but I decided to come forward because maybe my story will change your future. If you want to know how to help, it's real simple: get a mammogram and do it every year. Men, you aren't immune to breast cancer either and I know it's uncomfortable, but you need to get those prostates checked. It's another cancer that is easily treatable with early detection. Just do it, ok?
I'll end by saying that I am so thankful in advance for the well-wishes that I know will be coming my way. Please don't take it personally if I don't respond, these are difficult times and I'm trying not to let it consume my days entirely. I will be reading your comments and I am so grateful for the support and love I know you will be sending my way.
Here we go!
Jen