My ATM Journey

Pink is my favorite color. I wear it all year not just in October to commemorate #breastcancerawarenessmonth. But like so many other women, it’s the month I schedule my #mammogram.

It’s not surprising, given the number of companies that promote the #pinkribbon this month. But I don’t need a pink ribbon. My mother had breast cancer. Twice. In each breast. She went through multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She had some really sick days, but she’s a survivor and with some lifestyle changes, she’s been cancer free since 2010.

With a family history, and Black women are 41% more likely to die from breast cancer, I am vigilant about my annual mammogram. After my doctor informed me I have dense breasts, I upgraded to a 3D mammogram. Like the nearly 50% of women over 40 in the U.S. with dense breast tissue, it can be hard to detect abnormalities on a mammogram. It’s been compared to finding a snowball in a field of snow!

My OBGYN – also a breast cancer survivor – urged me to be more proactive and look into #genetictesting. She handed me a pamphlet with more information about family history and breast cancer gene mutations (like BRCA 1 and BRCA 2), which I promptly put into box and conveniently ignored. I kept that pamphlet in the box and put the lid on it along with my fears.

?A couple of years and two cities later, I unpacked the box, steeled my courage, and scheduled the test my Unum insurance fully covered. ?

My primary care doctor confirms I’m pretty healthy. I run half marathons, don’t smoke, and definitely don’t eat as much chocolate as I’d like. So, when I learned on September 29, 2021, that I had the ATM gene I was on a rollercoaster of emotions, and I desperately wanted to get off.?

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene increases your risk for breast cancer, and higher rate of metastasis to the lymph nodes. It also increases your risk for pancreatic cancer.

I was soon in a whirlwind of doctor appointments with a breast care specialist and plastic surgeons to determine my options. After two weeks of “doctor speak” I was numb. As I sat in my gastroenterologist’s office to discuss my pancreatic risks, I was stunned to discover we knew each other. We were Resident Assistants together at the 美国北卡罗来纳大学教堂山分校 . I finally broke down. ?All the fear, all the uncertainty came out like a flood. He sat with me and moved from the clinical to the human. He gave me the full health care I needed – physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I am beyond thankful to have an awesome team in place. Every 6 months, I put on a pink gown and get a 3D mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI.?I pray, cry, and call one of my best friends. Every time.

I cry before because it helps with the anxiety, and I cry after, whispering a thankful prayer.

I also connect with others who have the ATM gene, like my Unum colleague Emily Spice. When I recently interviewed her for an employee profile, Emily shared her emotional breast cancer story, which included 18 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and 28 rounds of radiation. I’m proud to share Emily rang the bell on December 13, 2021 and is now cancer free. We share a bond that’s hard to explain.

Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a mother, friend, or co-worker is diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that science is making strides: early detection, improved treatment options and increased awareness are helping more women like my mom, Emily, Linda, Joyce, (fill in the blank for the strong and fierce woman you know) and so many others. Millions of lives are saved.

?Know your risks and don’t be afraid to get checked. One day I’ll get the double mastectomy, as it lowers my breast cancer risk to less than 2%. Until then, I’ll wear the pink gown.

After all, it is my favorite color.?