Elk Grove official: A mammogram didn’t detect the breast cancer that changed my life

This is my coming out, but please bear with me as I explain how this isn’t just about me.

In late July, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and on Sept. 9, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. I’ve learned a lot about this disease recently, and as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to share some of that potentially lifesaving information.

First, one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetimes. That includes women who, like me, have no family history of cancer or known genetic predisposition to the disease.

Second, the symptoms are many and varied. While public awareness campaigns have been successful in promoting self-examination for lumps, other symptoms include thickening areas, dimples, sores, red or hot spots, leaking, enlarged veins, sunken nipples, changes in breast shape or size, and changes in skin texture.

Third, some gentle nudging: We women are generally excellent at taking care of our responsibilities and of the people in our lives, but we’re not always as good at making our own health a priority. Case in point: I might have disregarded the seemingly innocuous symptoms that led to my diagnosis.

As one of the estimated 264,000 new cases of breast cancer expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women this year (along with about 2,400 men), I ask that you familiarize yourself with the many ways the disease can present. Be attuned to changes in your body, and get mammograms on the schedule recommended by your doctor.

My cancer was not detected by a mammogram I received less than a year prior to my diagnosis. That’s why it’s so important to know all the signs. Spend a few minutes at KnowYourLemons.org.

As a member of the Elk Grove Unified School District board, I am even more in awe than before of the many members of our predominantly female workforce who have shown such grace and courage while battling this disease. It has been difficult to miss school board meetings knowing that each one involves decisions that greatly affect the lives of our students, employees and families. I ask my community for a bit of grace until I’m able to return to my regular duties.

I don’t yet know all that my breast cancer journey will entail, but thanks to early detection, my prognosis appears to be good. While I don’t quite feel like a “warrior” yet, I do feel extraordinarily lucky for more blessings than I can enumerate here. I draw strength from the women who have been so candid with me about their experiences with breast cancer. I could not do this without their support as well as the steadfast prayers of my family, near and far.

In a strange way, the feeling that I’m taking one for the team helps me be at peace with whatever comes. If it was going to happen to one in eight of us, I’m glad it’s not you. And I hope it won’t ever be you.

While researchers continue to develop better treatments, early detection and, let’s hope, prevention, please help me spread awareness about the many ways breast cancer can present so that we can continue to improve the outcomes for those of us on the wrong side of the statistics.