Part 3: Breast Scare: Prioritize Health and Be Vigilant

Even after completing my reconstruction, I knew my journey of vigilance and self-care wasn’t over. One month ago, while writing Part 1 of my story, I felt a small lump during a routine self-exam. My heart dropped. After all I have  been through, the idea of facing cancer again was terrifying. I scheduled an appointment, and before I knew it, I was back in the whirlwind of exams, a biopsy, and a PET scan.

My doctor quickly scheduled an ultrasound, which revealed something "suspicious." With only about a 1% chance of recurrence after mastectomies, I was shocked. I’d expected a simple "It’s fine" response. Instead, a PET scan was scheduled a week later, followed by a biopsy the next day. The 10-day wait was excruciatingly long. However, once I’d completed the exams, I felt like every doctor was rooting for me. I have the best team, and I received calls and texts the next day confirming the biopsy was benign and the PET scan was clear. The lump was fibrosis—scar tissue, likely from prior surgeries or an encapsulated suture from three years ago. I was so relieved.

Those 10 days of waiting were filled with fear and hope. I leaned on my husband, my sister, and a few friends, trying to keep myself from succumbing to dark thoughts. Prayer, daily routines, and simply staying busy helped center me. Listening to Louise Hay’s "You Can Heal Your Life" and practicing her affirmations helped me to stay calm. I am a naturally optimistic person but I was still terrified.

This experience reinforced the importance of regular rechecks and staying vigilant. My diligence had found this lump, and my doctors and tests gave me peace of mind.

With this good news, I’ve committed even more deeply to prioritizing my health. I now know that my journey is a continuous process of honoring and caring for my body, mind, and spirit. Regular self-checks and annual follow-ups remain a top priority.

Supporting Health and Resilience

One of the biggest lessons I am learning is that health is about more than just the absence of illness; it’s a proactive lifestyle. For me, that means embracing habits that support my physical body as well as my overall well-being. I’ve focused even more on nourishing foods, moving my body in ways that feel good, and creating moments of relaxation and mindfulness.

This journey has shown me that caring for my mind is just as crucial as caring for my body. I practice gratitude by writing down things I’m thankful for each day, which helps me maintain a positive outlook. A few minutes of meditation each morning keeps me present and reduces stress. I’m making more time for creative hobbies like decorating and ceramics, which allow me to express myself and find joy in small accomplishments.

Encouragement to Others

I know that not everyone has the outcome that I had with this scare.  But, if there’s one thing I’d like to pass on from my experience, it’s the importance of staying proactive about your health. Regular rechecks, self-exams, and check-ins with your doctor are not only empowering—they can be lifesaving. I encourage everyone to listen to their body, prioritize checkups, and pay attention to any changes. These steps can bring peace of mind and may just be the difference that saves your life.

Building health isn’t an overnight process; it’s about small, intentional steps. Whether it’s adding more healthy foods to your meals, finding movement you enjoy, or taking a few moments each day to reflect, every small choice strengthens your body and your spirit.

Here are some ideas for improving your health from Pink Lotus: 

• Whole food, plant-based eating that prioritizes vegetables, fruits, 100 percent whole grains, and legumes (beans, peas, lentils), whole food soy, ground flaxseed; eliminate all meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs; minimize saturated fat, simple sugars, processed foods, and refined cereals. If you are new to this way of eating, start slowly by making this Antioxidant Smoothie recipe daily, and then build up from there.
• Exercise: 5 hours a week moderate effort, or 2.5 hours a week vigorous, sweaty workouts.
• Get to your ideal weight and stay there.
• Minimize or eliminate alcohol: 7 drinks or fewer a week, favor 4 to 8 ounces of red wine.
• No smoking.
• Stress management techniques: 20 minute daily minimum (prayer, meditation, tai chi, yoga, guided imagery, focused breathing).
• Social connectedness: 30 minute daily minimum (no screens when with others in person). Examples: date night, coffee with a friend, church group, tennis team, uplifting online community, bridge club.
• Monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical breast exam, annual mammogram, plus additional imaging (ultrasound, MRI) and clinical exams when indicated.
• Extra credit: Give back. Smile. Laugh.

Moving Forward with Strength and Optimism

This experience has taught me that health and resilience are lifelong journeys. Staying positive may not always come naturally, but finding silver linings, celebrating small victories, and showing kindness to myself have been essential in reclaiming strength and confidence. There will always be good days and harder days, but every day is an opportunity to choose hope, honor our bodies, and keep moving forward.

Thank you for being part of my journey. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to stay vigilant, build resilience, and prioritize their well-being. Each day is a chance to live fully, to stay strong, and to move forward with optimism. Here’s to honoring our health and cherishing every moment we have.