When April learned she had breast cancer, her first question was, “Will I survive?” She’s grateful that her breast cancer was detected early before it had a chance to spread.
A Small Bump
April first felt a small bump on her right breast in June 2020. “It didn’t hurt, it wasn’t discolored, there was a change in my skin,” she said. “I thought it was a cyst and would go away. I didn’t really think much of it.”
After a series of family emergencies, life began to settle down again in 2022. That January, April developed a small bump on her nose and the lymph nodes on the right side of her neck started to swell. She decided to schedule an appointment with her doctor. “Initially, she thought I had shingles,” she said. “But I didn’t.”
“I Knew Something Was Wrong.”
April told the doctor about the bump on her breast, which was still there. “She asked if I had a history of breast cancer in my family, but I don’t,” she said. April’s doctor agreed it could be a cyst but sent her for a diagnostic mammogram to be safe.
During April’s mammogram, the tech excused herself from the room. “I knew something was wrong,” April said. A biopsy soon confirmed that April had breast cancer, and she was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
“My first question after my diagnosis was if I was going to survive,” she said. With two children, April worried about whether she’d be there for them as they grew up.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
April’s treatment included a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. She did not need further treatment, something she’s grateful for. “I opted for a double mastectomy because I didn’t want to risk the cancer possibly coming back,” she said. She had surgery in May, followed by reconstruction in September. Once she recovered from surgery, April did six months of physical therapy to regain her range of motion.
Second Chance at Life
“I’m forever grateful that I got a second chance at life and that I didn’t need further treatment,” she said. “My perspective on life quickly changed. I learned to slow down and really enjoy every day. I’m thankful to move freely, wash my own hair, sleep in my bed, and, best of all, give my kids big hugs. These are all small things that are really big things.”
Grateful for Early Detection
April is thankful that the breast cancer was caught early before it had a chance to spread. “Early detection is just so important. Regular mammograms are important,” she said. “My oncologist told me someone was watching over me because had I waited any longer to come in, the cancer would have spread. It turns out the small bump I felt was just the tip of the iceberg. Three-quarters of my right breast had cancer.”
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
