I found a lump in my right breast Feb 2019.<\/p>\n
The mammogram did not indicate it the day I went. I had dense breasts. My GP had requested an ultrasound along with the mammogram. The breast clinic declined the request.<\/p>\n
I left concerned but was reassured that my age 51 it was most likely a cyst. I had a cyst in my left breast found on my annual mammogram in 2017. I went for a core biopsy and the cyst was no longer there. The breast clinic reviewed my previous mammograms.<\/p>\n
I had mastitis 10 years prior and felt that everything was fine. Fast forward. Ten months later, I found the same lump in my right breast, this time it had invited friends.<\/p>\n
I was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC. Mastectomy was my only option.<\/p>\n
Given my previous experience, I insisted that my left breast would be removed at the same time. The girls took early retirement. I had no interest in reconstruction. You can\u2019t recreate the past. I had to advocate for myself to get my double mastectomy and researched flat closure. I showed my surgeon the results I was expecting and that I planned on being topless on the beach. My beach days generated interest with CBC. A local reporter interviewed and filmed me on the beach. My interview went international. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It prompted a second interview about how my first interview impacted, inspired many people, other survivors and women just starting their breast cancer journeys.<\/p>\n
I am a positive person and always feel there are silver linings that arise from the direst situations. Breasts don\u2019t define women. Society views them as a woman\u2019s calling card. I have never worried about what others think. Living life flat and cancer free is ok for me. Looking forward to each day and taking one day at a time.<\/p>\n
Please check out this amazing CBC segment on Christina’s journey and impact. Also, please let<\/p>\n