WHAT MY LUMPECTOMY TAUGHT ME ABOUT FEAR, GRATITUDE, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YEARLY EXAM

In 2012 I had a lumpectomy in my right breast. It was BENIGN. However, being diagnosed with a benign tumor doesn’t take the scary out of the word “tumor,” a word that will stop you in your tracks.

I am well aware and beyond grateful that the diagnosis was *not cancerous.* I am also grateful to have an amazing mom who flew in to be by my side and take care of me during and after my surgery (do we ever stop needing our moms?!). Finally I'm so thankful for my wonderful breast surgeon who treated me with such care, both medically and on a human level.

My good fortune doesn’t mean I wasn't scared when they first discovered the mass, or that the fear doesn't resurface every year for my annual mammogram.

With a family history of breast cancer, I have always felt just a little anxious when going for my screenings. However, it’s important that we never allow fear or anxiety to keep us from protecting our health and well-being! This post is a reminder for all women to confront that fear and pursue your best health.

Even in the middle of a pandemic I was able to make it to the incredible team at Cedars Sinai Breast Center where every detail was taken into account.

So what did a breast exam during a pandemic look like? From medical grade masks and temperature checks at the door, to personalized pens that allow patients to fill out forms without unnecessary physical contact during COVID, every precaution was thought through.

The team at Cedars made the experience unbelievably comforting (which is a hard word to use when describing a procedure where your breast is squeezed within an inch of its life.) But that's exactly what they were able to do.

The team answered every question I had and I'm grateful to report a clean bill of health.

Tag your girlfriend, sister, cousin, mother, and schedule your annual mammogram now. Just because the month is nearly over, doesn't mean our mission to spread awareness ever comes to an end.