Breast Cancer Awareness - My personal story

This month we are acknowledging Breast Cancer Awareness. This is a very important subject for me. There have been at least three family members that were suspected of having breast cancer. Unfortunately one was a long distance cousin. She passed from breast cancer at a very young age. Her family was unable to afford a funeral. The Ledesma/Garcia Family has a family plot in Orange Grove Texas called, "La Parita". The grave site is intended for family members who can not afford to be buried in town. It's free for any family member in need.


I was also diagnosed with a lump in my left breast when I was only 18 years old. I was very frightened. I cried every day. And I felt angry and was wondering why me? Thankfully I had my father to help me through that difficult period in my life.


I remember that I was diagnosed with the lump at a free clinic in Corpus Christi Texas. They told me that the lump felt like the size of a quarter. Unfortunately, they referred me to a doctor six months later.  There were many young women who were their for many reasons.  Some for birth control others for Gynecological reasons.

When I went to see my doctor who was also a surgeon. I remember that he was very angry. He was angry because I was so young and I wasn't referred to him sooner. I remember that they asked me to lay back with a flap of thin tissue paper around me. It looked like a vest. He was very careful in keeping my dignity. He palpitated around in a circular motion and pressed down a bit. That's when he felt the lump.


He told me that he was going to need to do a biopsy. He and a nurse prepared me and explained what that meant. They told me that they were going to use a long needle that if they drew fluid then it was possible that it was a sac full of water/fluid. Which would be a good sign. However, If they felt tissue then a small piece would be extracted for examination via the needle.


He used a local anesthetic and I prepared myself, by closing my eyes. I didn't want to see the long needle go into my breast. There was a small problem. Upon entering the tissue he found the lump, but did not extract water/fluid. Instead he extracted tissue.

Next, I was scheduled for surgery.  Dr. Rolong was very re-assuring.  He told me that he was going to make sure that the incision would not cause me  to have an inverted nipple.  He explained that he would make an incision like a half "C".  Then he would extract the lump.  He told me that he would sew it from the inside so that I wouldn't have a terrible scar.  He did a great job.

After that I went home and I waited for the news. I cried a lot and my father was there with plenty of hugs and re-assurance. He prayed for me and asked god to intercede on my behalf. I was so worried and frightened. I went through so many emotions. I was scared, angry, confused, hopeful and anxious.

They were going to examine the tissue to see if it was benign or cancerous. I don't remember exactly but a few days later they call came. It was a cyst. Thankfully benign. (non-cancerous)


This why I feel that breast examinations are very important.

1. Your breast should not be odd in size. Such as one very much larger then the other.
2. There should not be any kind of discoloration. Such as Orange, yellow, or blue.
3. If you press the nipple there should not be any fluid excreted from the nipple.
4. If you do have lumps. Check to see if they move around.
5. If they do, chances are they are just cyst. But you should seek a Medical Doctor for any lump.
6. If the lumps don't move. Seek help right away.



Early signs (from the Radiology Associates Breast Imaging Center)


1. A lump is usually single, firm, and often painless
2. A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
3. Veins on the surface of the skin become prominent on one breast. ( stand out)
4. The nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge.
5. A depression (indentation) is found in an area of the breast surface.


Preventive information: from the Radiology Associates Breast Imaging Center)


 1. Low-fat diet. regular exercise.  (there are studies that show overweight people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.  Men or Woman.
2.  Monthly self examination starting at age 20.  (or as in my case 18)
3. Have clinical breast exams every 3 years from 20-39 years of age. 
4.  Woman age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to so for as long as they are in good health.




The earlier that you can catch the lump the better for you. I was fortunate.


Take care and god bless. Go to the link that I posted for more information. http://www.breastcancer.org/


Donna C. Ledesma


Bali Double Support Comfort-U Back Bra