Breast Cancer Awareness | Illustrated by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
While no breast cancer diagnosis is routine, the women and families affected share an unmatched level of resiliency and mental fortitude.
Divine intervention
Breast cancer occurs in the body due to the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells found in breast tissues. Typically, it forms a tumor that can be felt as a lump or hard spot in the breast, however for some, the disease can go completely undetected.
“I think God nudged me,” said breast cancer survivor Jean Carson.
Carson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, says that she had no inclination that anything was wrong in her body before speaking to physicians.
“I received notification that I was about to no longer have health insurance, and I thought I might as well get all of the tests done that I could before the insurance ran out. Sure enough, the doctor found something in my mammogram. I think it was God’s will that I had that appointment when I did, otherwise I might not be here today,” Carson said.
After her initial appointment, Carson was scheduled for a biopsy and an additional mammogram to ensure the existence of cancerous cells.
“I was so nervous going into my second mammogram,” Carson said. “I remember sitting in the waiting room and the worst fear of my entire life came over me. I almost walked out of that waiting room. However, common sense kicked in, and I knew I had to face this head-on. I’ll never forget how scared I was in that moment though.”
A series of appointments and tests led Carson to a single breast removal surgery and subsequent breast implant.
Carson was medicated for a length of five years to combat the overproduction of estrogen in her body after her surgeries, however, she now finds herself 11 years into a cancer-free life once again.
“It’s taught me how precious life truly is,” Carson said. “I had wonderful support from my friends and family the entire time and that really helped me fight through it all. Never take anything in this life for granted.”
Nerve-wracking, but necessary
Being nervous about mammograms and check-ups can be common for women, as they may feel uncomfortable with their physician and it’s not uncommon for some women to have a fear of pain from the mammogram itself.
Nicole Chrosniak, whose mother passed away from breast cancer, says that these check-ups are nothing to be afraid of, and they need to be taken as seriously as the consequences of opting out.
“My mom was 65 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She had an aggressively rare form of cancer, but she did not get her mammograms done regularly,” Chrosniak said. “If she had, I think she would have had more time. The bottom line is that if you catch it early, you have a good chance of beating it!”
Chrosniak encourages young women to perform regular self-evaluations and to not be afraid to speak to a physician if need be.
“Ladies don’t be afraid to get a check-up, or afraid to speak to your doctor,” Chrosniak said. “If you are nervous or afraid, find a new one. It’s very important to have a doctor you can trust and be open with.”
Wright State right attitude
Wright State University (WSU) Special Events Coordinator Julie Bertsos was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40, all while raising her three children, who had lost their Grandmother to breast cancer just five years prior.
“It was really scary for the children,” Bertsos said. “Them being young, not understanding but knowing that breast cancer had taken away someone that they love was scary for them. We had to be strong and deal with this on many levels.”
Even after having to live through a double mastectomy, Bertsos keeps a positive outlook on her future, while keeping her family educated on the traumas that cancer can bring.
“I’m 17 years past my diagnosis and I’m living my best life,” Bertsos said. “Education is imperative. I had no prior family history, so without routine exams, my breast cancer would not have been found until it may have been past the point we could actively attack it. Don’t put off exams, and get a baseline as soon as possible.”
There is no such thing as routine breast cancer.
For more information on preventive measures, self-examination tips, myths and FAQs visit:
https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
