Hello friends! I’ve been preoccupied with our recent move and unpacking, so my little blog has been taking a nap in the meantime. Since today is November 1st, I decided what better way to kick off the month than to wake my sleeping baby and kick it into high gear? As many of you know, October is breast cancer awareness month. I know what you’re thinking-Tamar, it’s November. And to that I say, exactly! Breast cancer awareness shouldn’t end when October does. After all, your boobs just don’t up and leave on November 1st!
Fun fact: I had started a blog 3 years ago as sort of a personal journal. I never publicized it and I’m not sure if anyone ever read it, but it sat there in the blogosphere. When I launched my new blog, I came across these old entries and tucked them away for potential future use. So here we are in the ‘future,’ and I’m sharing this entry from August 13, 2015 to discuss just how important early detection is for breast cancer.
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August 13, 2015
F*ck You, Cancer.
It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything, and with good reason. Someone extremely close to me was diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently undergoing radiation treatments. To say that this shattered me would be an understatement. I was basically out of commission for a few weeks as I digested the news and waited with terrible patience for the diagnosis of the cancer cell type and prescribed treatment.
While the treatment will be ongoing for the next few weeks, the experience tested my resiliency and forced me to fight for my own survival, for the sake of my family. Not only was the diagnosis gut wrenching to me, the fact that we were in two different states left me feeling helpless and worthless. I had always been there for every surgery and acted as her nurse to help her recover. I couldn’t fill that role this time because my children were just starting preschool and my daughter was in an intense routine of therapies for her special needs. I felt like I had let her down by not being there. I hit rock bottom. I had no desire to get up in the morning. Things that would excite me or put a smile on my face seemed inconsequential. My depression was evident and was having a negative impact on my children. When my son misbehaved and I snapped at him in a way that I had never done before, I realized that I needed to snap out of it, and fast. I said myself, “Mom wouldn’t want you to be feeling this way. She would want you to keep calm and carry on, particularly for those two children of yours.”
So, I decided to get my shit together and live each day for my children and for my warrior who is battling cancer. I made to-do lists and executed them. I stopped stressing over stupid things. I spent more time with my kids and less time cleaning the house.
It got better. And so did my fighter. She had surgery to remove the tumor and her doctors decided on a six week radiation treatment, five times per week. We are in the second week of treatment and counting down the days until it’s over.
Cancer picked the wrong person to f*ck with. F*ck you, cancer. You can’t have her, she’s ours to keep.
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I’m happy to report that my MOM completed her radiation treatments and beat cancer. She is 3 years cancer free! We have a HUGE family history of breast cancer. Basically every female on my mom’s side of the family has had breast cancer. My family tree’s branches are all riddled with cancer. Over the summer I underwent genetic testing and met with an oncologist. I tested negative for BRCA-1 and BRCA-2, but based on my family tree, I am considered very high risk for developing breast cancer in my lifetime. My doctor implemented a screening plan whereby I go for a mammogram and ultrasound every year and an MRI every year. These screenings will be spaced out six months apart so that I’m being screened every six months to reduce my risk of any potential cancer going undetected for a long period of time. In addition to bi-annual screenings, the oncologist strongly suggested a healthy diet and exercise routine to maintain a lifestyle that could contribute to reducing my chance of developing cancer. She recommended a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy foods such as olive oil, walnuts, and avocados, and reduced consumption of dairy, animal fats, and processed foods.
I know that October is usually painted pink all over town, and there are various walks to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. That’s not enough. Breast cancer is a daily diagnosis and it doesn’t discriminate based on age or gender. We need to encourage women to get annual mammograms and do regular self-breast exams (men too!). I know that most guidelines recommend mammograms starting at age 40. I started going at age 30 because of my family history. If you don’t have access to mammograms, at least start with self breast exams. Save the tatas by feeling yourself up (I’m kidding, but not really). Here’s a handy diagram from the Susan G. Komen website to show you how to perform the self exam: http://www.komennyc.org/site/PageServer?pagename=breasthealth_selfexam
What’s in your arsenal for prevention and early detection?
Tamar Blazer is an attorney-turned-twin mom, with a passion for her family, friends, writing, good food, home decor and laughing. When she’s not lamenting on her lack of sleep, you can find her doing one of the too many projects she likes to take on, usually with a twin on either side.
