70 OCTOBER 2024 | INTHEVUE.COM The data on screening is too broad to cover, but the fact remains true that mammography is the best breast cancer screening test we have at this time. But mammograms do have their limits. While they correctly identify 87% of identifiable cancers, some small enough they can’t even be felt, they can miss some cancers, and sometimes they find things that turn out not to be cancer (but that still need further testing to be sure). My breast cancer didn’t initially show up in any imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI) but I was bleeding from the nipple area so a biopsy was performed. When my imaging was clear, one doctor released me, but a second opinion with a surgeon who wanted to biopsy found an early but highly aggressive cancer. Chanin: “In the midst of a yearly mammogram I was initially released, but the tech saw something she was unsure of, so we went back and got additional angles. After an ultrasound, breast MRI, and biopsy, I was diagnosed with stage 1 ductal carcinoma. The cancer had grown deep into my chest so I can’t imagine the outcome had I not been diligent with my yearly screening. I didn’t know much about health and how it fits into getting through surgery when I had my initial mastectomy in 2008. Sixteen years later, I have a team and a program of what I do to prepare myself for what will soon be my eighteenth surgery. Chanin, owner of VonThera spa in Paducah, has played a huge role in my ability to recover quickly through lymphatic drainage work. We increase those massages from monthly to weekly right before surgery. I follow a protocol that includes supplements for gut and liver health. Using tools like walking, breathwork, and nutritious food, I have found surgeries take about a week to recover from. Chanin: “I told very few people what was happening in the hopes of avoiding any negative feedback. Protecting my mind was my top priority. I cleaned up my diet and leaned heavily on meditation, lymphatic work, and close friends who shared similar spiritual practices.” Lymphatic drainage massage, also known as manual lymphatic drainage, relieves swelling that happens when medical treatment or illness blocks your lym- phatic system. Lymphatic drainage massage involves gently manipulating specific areas of your body to help lymph move to an area with working lymph vessels. WHAT (or what not) TO SAY TO SOMEONE DIAGNOSED I think most people would give the same answer of the emotional impact cancer had on their lives. “Studies show psychosocial factors that patients may have in the long run include anxiety, uneasiness, mourning, helplessness, fatigue, impairment of concentration, sleep disorders, mental and cognitive reservation, sexual dysfunction, infertility, psychological distress, and psychiatric disorders.” (* “Psychiatric Symptoms and Psychosocial Problems in Patients with Breast Cancer”) Those of us who are blessed with a good care team, supportive family, and friends will generally navigate this process with a healthier outlook than those who go at it alone. You are fighting to control fear, pain, and loss of autonomy, so surrounding yourself with positive, upbeat people, willing to take care of everyday tasks that you can’t, is invaluable. I read numerous books on cancer survivors, found mentors who had walked this path, and leaned heavily on my faith and family. Chanin: “Overall, it was the level of support I had that got me through this. I’d watched you (Marissa) go through it successfully, and
