I’ve Battled Breast Cancer Twice – Yet I’m Still Too Young for Routine Mammograms

I was nearing the end of my chemotherapy treatment and feeling optimistic. Gathering our swim gear, I followed my husband and kids to the pool, excited to enjoy some sunshine and fun. On a whim, I decided to film a video showcasing my mastectomy scars, chemo port, and chest wall excision marks. The response was astonishing.

Within just a week, my video garnered over two million views. The feedback was overwhelmingly encouraging, with many sharing their own breast cancer experiences or supporting loved ones through similar journeys. I never anticipated that my post would resonate with so many, but I’m incredibly grateful it did. My primary aim is to raise awareness about breast cancer.

When you watch my video, you might see a woman exuding confidence. Friends, family, and followers often tell me how brave I am for sharing such personal moments online. While it does require courage to be vulnerable in front of an audience, it also demands a deep commitment to my cause.

I don’t want to keep my breast cancer experiences private. The pain and anxiety I endured are too heavy to bear alone. By openly discussing my journey, I can raise awareness and potentially help someone else in ways I can’t even imagine. The beauty of social media lies in its accessibility; when individuals share their stories, others can find hope and understanding in their words.

My Journey Begins

My journey began in 2017 when I discovered my third breast lump during a self-exam. My first two lumps had been benign, so I was hopeful again. However, my doctor recommended an ultrasound and a mammogram (my first). The ultrasound confirmed the lump’s presence, but the radiologist deemed it benign and suggested a wait-and-see approach, asking me to return in six months for follow-up scans.

Initially, I felt relieved. Yet as time passed, a lingering feeling told me something wasn’t right. I sought a second opinion, and the breast surgeon performed another ultrasound and agreed to biopsy the mass. After the biopsy, my family and I went on vacation, but when I returned to get the results, my world shattered.

Entering the surgeon’s office with an iced coffee, I was met with the words I’ll never forget: “I always hate to tell women this, but you have breast cancer.” The shock overwhelmed me as I struggled to absorb the gravity of the situation—chemotherapy, genetic testing, mastectomy—these terms started to blur together. I left with pamphlets featuring flowers and elderly women on the covers, feeling like my life had flipped upside down.

At just thirty-five, I found myself facing tough medical decisions while juggling work and raising four kids, one of whom was an infant. The following months were a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and emotions. My genetic tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 came back negative. I eventually found a new surgeon who presented me with two options for treatment. After an MRI, bloodwork, and consultations with various specialists, I underwent a bilateral, direct-to-implant mastectomy, followed by a two-month recovery.

Raising Awareness

I openly shared my breast cancer experience and was reassured that my chances of recurrence were low. I began attending therapy to manage my medical trauma, wrote articles about breast cancer, and encouraged everyone to perform monthly self-exams.

However, last year, I fell ill with a myriad of symptoms, leaving me confused and anxious. I considered myself healthy, regularly exercising and eating well, so why was I experiencing joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, and other issues? I joined a Facebook group discussing breast implant complications and quickly discovered my answer: breast implant illness.

Determined to reclaim my health, I contacted my plastic surgeon to schedule an explant surgery. I was eager to remove the silicone implants, but while waiting for the procedure, I discovered a lump in my chest wall. After several ultrasounds and a biopsy, I received the devastating news—I had breast cancer for a second time.

Since then, I’ve undergone two surgeries to remove the cancerous mass and my implants, and I now have a chemo port. I’ve completed twelve rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with thirty-three rounds of radiation on the horizon. The toll of fighting breast cancer—not once, but twice—is profound, both physically and emotionally.

Advocating for Health

That’s why I posted my video. I want others to prioritize their health by performing self-exams monthly. My vigilance has played a crucial role in my early detection, especially since I’m still too young for a routine mammogram. Ignoring my body’s signals could have led to far worse outcomes.

One in eight women will face an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, and it’s not her fault. Cancer is a relentless adversary. Among those diagnosed, 11% will be under the age of forty-five, like me. I share my story to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding cancer patients. I also want to remind women my age to advocate for their health, especially since many don’t yet qualify for annual mammograms.

I’m grateful for the platform social media provides. While it can entertain with lighthearted content, it also allows me to own my journey and encourage other women to check their breasts regularly.

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Summary:

In this powerful personal account, Jamie Thompson shares her experience of battling breast cancer twice before the age of forty, emphasizing the importance of self-exams and advocacy for breast health. Despite being too young for routine mammograms, her vigilance led to early detection, underscoring the critical nature of awareness and support within the community.