April's Story

Name: April 
State: Washington 
Date of Diagnosis: August, 2014
Age of Diagnosis: 43
Date of Normal Mammogram: July, 2014 
Stage at Diagnosis: stage 1C
How was cancer detected?: April 

I found a lump in my breast 3 months after a 'normal' mammogram.  I was studying anatomy for a board exam to be a lactation specialist.  Three years prior, at my mammogram appointment, a technologist mentioned that I had very dense breasts. 

No reporting of MY dense breasts was mentioned in my screening reports. There was never any discussion or counseling from my primary care physician about my dense breasts. The technologists' acknowledgment of my dense breasts left an impression so I did some research.  When I asked my primary care physician about having a 3D mammogram, I was told point blank, "Not necessary as most young women have dense breasts." 

My lump, which was clearly seen on the ultrasound and still invisible by mammogram even though there was a palpable lesion, turned out to be invasive ductal carcinoma. My surgeon estimated the cancerous tumor present one to two years prior to my diagnosis, which could not be SEEN by mammography because of MY dense breast tissue.  

I am completing my fourth cycle of chemotherapy.  Much of my decision process played out in this manner because I am a HEALTH CARE professional and was actively studying breast health. My disappointment was the reluctance of my primary care physician to have an honest and informed conversation with me as I was asking questions.  I work with women with less education than I have who are limited in English Proficiency and do not have access to a home computer.  What education are they getting on breast health?