Breast Cancer Story: Allyson
Ansvarsfriskrivning: Know Your Lemons värdesätter och respekterar de erfarenheter och berättelser som delas av bröstcancerpatienter. De råd, uttalanden eller fakta som presenteras i dessa berättelser överensstämmer inte nödvändigtvis med medicinsk expertis eller är allmänt tillämpliga på varje individs situation. Bröstcancer är en komplex och mycket individuell sjukdom, och även om dessa berättelser erbjuder värdefulla insikter och emotionellt stöd, bör de inte ersätta professionell medicinsk rådgivning eller behandling. Konsultera alltid en kvalificerad vårdgivare för personlig vägledning och beslutsfattande angående diagnos, behandling och hantering av bröstcancer. Know Your Lemons uppmuntrar till ett samarbete mellan patienter, vårdgivare och medicinsk personal för att säkerställa bästa möjliga vård och resultat för dem som drabbats av bröstcancer.
In honor of World Teacher Day we are offering 10% off all products in our shop to help you educate your community on early detection of breast cancer, and hopefully, like Allyson, save a life.
Allyson is a teacher from Missouri, USA and reached out to us gushing with a passion for early detection because it saved her life. Nearly a 5 year survivor, Allyson has taken the steps to become a Know Your Lemons educator, but has already been teaching her co-workers using Know Your Lemons materials. She has agreed to share her breast cancer story and experience in sharing early detection of breast cancer materials as a way to promote early detection for others. Here are her words…
Allyson’s Breast Cancer Story
I was late getting my first mammogram. I was 43. My gynecologist had been encouraging me to go. I kept putting it off. At one appointment he said,
“Please go get your mammogram.”
For months those words kept popping in my mind. Finally, I made the appointment in June 2019. I was diagnosed with DCIS a week later. I also discovered I have the Chek2 mutation. And oh. My aunt was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer 4 days after me. That made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy the only option. On July 24, I will be 5 years cancer free!
I am so thankful for my doctor. He kept pushing me to go. Without that I think I would have delayed that first mammogram even longer.
It’s hard for me to comprehend it’s been 5 years. They have been mentally exhausting. However, it does get better. Not easier. Better.
Thank you for all you do to raise awareness!
Sharing Early Detection of Breast Cancer Information with Co-workers
The resources for purchase at Know You Lemons are invaluable! I'm an elementary teacher. Our building has a total of five males. So it's primarily a female audience. For the last two school years I have purchased the posters to place in our staff restrooms. As I was getting ready to do this I asked one of our male teachers if those posters would make him feel uncomfortable. He said,
"No! Early detection is so important!"
I am our health and wellness champion in my building. I share monthly health and wellness information and organize health challenges. At the beginning of each month I include reminders about getting a mammogram and other yearly health screenings.
Also, for the last 4+ years I have shared a Facebook post reminding everyone to do their monthly self breast exam, schedule their mammogram and other yearly health screenings. I also include a reminder to give dogs their monthly flea/tick & heartworm prevention meds. I love dogs. :)
One more thing to share: My friend across the hall from me was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer this year. She had a lumpectomy and just completed radiation. Like me, she was diagnosed after her first mammogram. She is 40 years old. I recently received a thank you note from her. It reads,
"Allyson,
You saved me this year! Not only did you encourage me to get my mammogram, but you have been supporting me every step of the way. Having you as a resource, confidant, and friend has been invaluable. Thank you for being my champion!"
We are so grateful to Allyson and all those who decide to share their story to help inspire change. If this story has inspired you to share your own please visit our share your story page.