Last month this beautiful woman chose me as the photographer to capture her story. She told me that she had her breasts removed due to cancer and that she refused to have reconstructive surgery. She wanted women to understand you can live without breasts. (Read Jackie’s story below)

This is breast cancer.
This is radiation therapy.
This is 50.
This is finding an inner strength that was unknown.
This is not only surviving, but thriving.

I am blessed. I caught my breast cancer early, thanks to my friend and mentor who “encouraged” me to seek out an MRI.
I have had yearly mammograms since the age of 40. I did my monthly self-breast exams (SBE). I had “dense breasts”, specifically Bi Rads category D. Dense breast tissue increases the risk of breast cancer and make early detection difficult. Last August, I had my routine mammogram at a facility that was convenient to my work, but does not specialize in breast imaging. My mammogram had changed from the previous year. I wasn’t worried. I just needed to schedule a diagnostic mammogram. Again, I scheduled around my work schedule. After the diagnostic mammogram, I was asked to wait for the radiologist to come speak to me. After about an hour, the radiologist came and told me that although my mammogram wasn’t normal, I should schedule a repeat diagnostic mammogram in 6 months. Again, I wasn’t worried. A quick text and phone call with Aldona Spiegel, MD reminded me of my rights (Henda’s Law). She strongly encouraged me to seek an MRI of bilateral breasts. Not being worried, I set up my general surgery appointment to fit my schedule, as I would do with the MRI to follow. I had obtained copies of my previous breast imaging for my general surgeon and my soon to be radiologist at the breast care center. Before the end of the work day of my MRI, I received a call stating that I had suspicious area in both breasts that needed to be biopsied. Again, I wasn’t worried. I scheduled my breast biopsies around my work schedule and when my mom could help dog sit. I went to the appointment alone. That was the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. I received a call that Friday (technically a work holiday) informing me that I needed to follow up with my general surgeon the following Monday. I had just been diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer (predominantly DCIS).

I am blessed. I’ve spent almost 10 years working beside one of the most amazing and innovative Breast Reconstruction surgeons. I’ve had the privilege and honor helping women during their reconstructive journeys. I had resources available. I chose not to seek reconstruction. I wanted my life on my terms. I knew my reconstructive options but still preferred to chart my own course. Surgery was supposed to be the extent of my treatment, pending final pathology results.

I am blessed. I chose to proceed with bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction. My lymph node biopsies were negative. But….my deep margins were “close”. Radiation was now on the table. I underwent 33 treatments with a boost to both sides of my chest. Not a comfortable experience. That translates to Monday through Friday for 6 and a half weeks. During the beginning of the pandemic.

I am blessed. I have a job and coworkers that allowed me to make my appointments and help when I was unable to do something physically.

I am blessed. My body still allows me to work and work out. I knowingly sacrificed “pretty” scars for functional range of motion. Especially when radiation started.

I am blessed. I have an amazing family that arranged their schedule to help me. I have friends that I consider family, a “crossfit” community and work family (both past and present) that were my sounding board, my hand holders and my shoulder to lean on.

I am blessed. I found a PODCAST that resonated and still resonates with me. “Breast Cancer is Boring” is the right mix of educated advice and real talk. I used some of their information to select by skin regimen during radiation therapy.

This is me sharing my story through photos. Some of you will feel uncomfortable with the images. My goal is to empower at least one woman to fight for her right to advanced imaging for early detection. My goal is to empower at least one woman to make an informed decision regarding her options for breast reconstruction, or no reconstruction.

Do your SBE.
Know your breast density Bi-Rad category.
Go to a Breast Care Center for imaging.
Know your options.
Seek a second opinion.

My breasts never defined me or my femininity. My decision to not have reconstruction is and was personal. It did however, unlock the ability to tap into an inner strength I didn’t know existed. This photo shoot was and is outside my comfort zone. But I needed to share my story.

Now on to tattoos.

#family #cowtowncrossfit #AshleyPewitt #AldonaSpiegel #VashaliKent #JillChilcoat #KathleenShide #DannaRae #womenofcrossfit #StreetParking, #BreastCancerisBoring #breastcancersucks #CatherineCooperPhotography

This is Breast Cancer

Last month this beautiful woman chose me as the photographer to capture her story. She told me that she had her breasts removed due to cancer and that she refused to have reconstructive surgery. She wanted women to understand you can live without breasts. (Read Jackie’s story below)