Melissa Pruce's Story: The Importance of Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Disclaimer: Know Your Lemons deeply values and respects the experiences and stories shared by breast cancer patients. The advice, statements, or facts presented in these narratives may not necessarily align with medical expertise or be universally applicable to every individual’s situation. Breast cancer is a complex and highly individualized medical condition, and while these stories offer valuable insights and emotional support, they should not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and decision-making regarding breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Know Your Lemons encourages a collaborative approach between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
Melissa Pruce is a 46-year-old Math & Science teacher in Las Vegas, NV, USA. She enjoys camping and hiking with her family, as well as reading, running, and traveling. Melissa's life has been eventful; she served as a fighter pilot in the US Air Force, completed several half-marathons, explored three continents, and built a wonderful life with her husband and three children. One of her most cherished travel memories is riding elephants in Sri Lanka, which sparked her fascination with these magnificent creatures, culminating in her recent elephant tattoo. Melissa has graciously agreed to share her breast cancer journey with us, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of regular self-exams and screening. These are her words...
"Hello, I'm Melissa, and at the age of 46, I received a stage 1B breast cancer diagnosis. My story traces back to my early to mid-30s when I began undergoing regular mammogram screenings due to a family history of breast cancer. Year after year, my mammograms returned clear results, leading me to believe I was in the clear. Around five or six years ago, a doctor passionately advocated for regular self-examinations, and I heeded his advice, initially performing them diligently. However, as time passed, I became less consistent.
Remarkably, it was during a self-examination that I discovered my cancer. It was a mucinous type, and it didn't feel like the typical lump we're told to look for; instead, it was soft and pliable, like an Orbeez. Initially, I considered canceling my doctor's appointment because I wasn't sure if I could locate the lump again. It was unusually 'squishy' and moved when pressed. Multiple doctors expressed doubts about its cancerous nature because it didn't exhibit typical cancer behavior. Fortunately, they persisted in seeking answers. It turned out to be mucinous cancer that had spread to four lymph nodes. Only ten months had elapsed since my last mammogram, and as far as I know, it never appeared on subsequent mammograms after my self-examination.
Due to this, I underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Presently, I am approximately eight months post-radiation and classified as having no evidence of the disease. I continue to take an aromatase inhibitor and maintain regular check-ups with my oncologist.
I learned about Know Your Lemons after completing my active treatment, discovering it through another breast cancer resource. I wish I had known about it long before my diagnosis because, although I was somewhat diligent about self-exams, I lacked consistency. I believe that an app like this, both for education and reminders, could have motivated me to take better care of my health. While it might not have prevented my cancer, it could have prompted me to perform self-checks earlier, leading to earlier cancer detection and potentially avoiding the need for chemotherapy and radiation. Therefore, I encourage you to download the app, become familiar with your body's normal state, report any changes, don't rely solely on mammogram screenings, particularly if you have dense breast tissue, and recommend the app to all your friends to encourage them to get screened as well."
