 
Jimmie Lynne Avery
Executive Director
Lact-Aid International, Inc.
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Thank you for visiting our web and especially this page. I have
been thinking a great deal lately about how much of my life as a woman, a wife, a mother,
and a career woman has been centered on breasts ... my own and those of other women. The
reason for my reflection is that I recently had to come face to face with the prospect of
becoming a breast cancer patient. On July 7, 1999, I had my regular mammogram. About ten days later,
I received a call advising me to consult a surgeon about a breast biopsy. I immediately
went to work researching everything I could about biopsy methods, and trying to find the
right doctor for me. I rounded up every mammogram I'd ever had done, and prepared a list
of questions I wanted answered. I had moments of absolute panic. And I worried about
causing my family worry and sadness. My husband was incredible and my greatest support. We
talked, and hugged, and cried, and prayed.
I
wanted my husband to be with me. Because I have a lung disorder, I also wanted my
pulmonary doctor available for moral support and possible medical support as well, should
I need cancer surgery or treatment. So we had to work around business travel commitments,
and doctor's vacations to coordinate everything. I did a great deal of research before
deciding what type of biopsy to have. I also did a great deal of praying for courage to
deal with a cancer diagnosis and what ever treatment options might be necessary to be a
cancer survivor.
To
help cope with the situation as we waited, I also began a journal. I was surprised and
comforted by the words that came to me. I also found that being able to make decisions
helped me feel I had at least a little control... things like choosing my surgeon,
selecting which biopsy method to have, deciding who I would tell beforehand, and so on.
Finally, the day arrived and although I was nervous, I was at peace with the possibility
it would show that I indeed had cancer.
On
August 19, I had a stereotactic core needle breast biopsy. On the 21st, my husband, John,
and I went to learn the results. I was one of the lucky 80% of women whose test results
were benign. I was told that if the diagnosis had been cancer, my chances for survival
would have been excellent, due to early detection.
This
experience really changed my breast cancer awareness. It proved to me the importance of
mammograms in addition to breast self exam. My breast changes were far too small to be
felt. My research made me aware of the wonderful, more accurate methods for detecting
cancer early. I learned about the new and continually improving treatment options. Most
important, I learned how important love is, and living each day to its fullest.
So
for yourself, and everyone you love, please take good care of yourself. Do your breast
self-exams. Remind your mom, sisters, mother-in-law, grandmothers, aunts, and friends to
do theirs, too and get regular mammograms. Early detection means lives saved. The world
needs you in it! |
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