Cynthia’s Stage 2B Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Empowerment

Dense Breasts and Missed Tumors: The Importance of 3D Mammograms

I got normal mammograms yet I had a walnut sized tumor! I realized that despite normal mammograms, I always received a note stating I had dense breasts. I never took it seriously, but now I know dense breasts are a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Dense breast tissue and tumors both appear white on a mammogram, making tumors easy to miss. I should have been getting 3D mammograms, which are better at detecting cancers than 2D mammograms, but no one ever informed me of this. As a result, I unknowingly lived with a walnut-sized tumor for possibly five years—unbelievable.

Navigating Stage 2B Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

I underwent a double mastectomy and 25 rounds of radiation. I was diagnosed with estrogen-positive, HER2-negative, stage 2B breast cancer. I also chose to have my ovaries removed (oophorectomy) to reduce my risk of recurrence. My gynecologist supported this decision, given my age, and I feel great and relieved. I hope other women consider this option if it’s right for them.

Overcoming Knowledge Gaps and Emotional Challenges in Breast Cancer

My experience highlighted how much we don’t know about this complex disease. I wasn’t even genetically tested, despite my family history of cancer. I felt very alone, scared, and overwhelmed. Like many cancer patients, I turned to the internet for information, but the overwhelming and impersonal content only made me more anxious. I felt a need for a welcoming space where people could feel less alone and find hope and inspiration from others who had been through similar experiences.

Learn Look Locate: Bridging the Educational Gap in Breast Cancer Awareness

This led me to start Learn Look Locate in 2019. I wanted to fill the emotional and educational void I experienced by connecting with survivors and collaborating with incredible physicians. Our mission is to educate and empower people worldwide about their diagnosis in a calming and resonant way. I personally select every image on our website to ensure it provides a sense of connection and calm, as beautiful imagery can ease the mind, especially when facing a difficult disease. It’s crucial to have a supportive network during and after the cancer journey, and I’m forever grateful to the doctors and survivors who have joined me in this global movement.

Inspiring Hope: Sharing a Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story

By sharing my breast cancer story, I aim to educate and inspire others to feel less alone and more empowered about their diagnosis. Welcome to Learn Look Locate. I’m so glad you found us. Please reach out anytime if you have questions or need support.

Learn Look Locate: A Global Movement for Breast Cancer Education and Support

Learn Look Locate, born from Cynthia’s personal experience with stage 2B estrogen-positive breast cancer, stands as a testament to the power of turning adversity into advocacy. Our platform embodies Cynthia’s vision of a supportive, informative space for those navigating breast cancer. From emphasizing the importance of understanding dense breast tissue to highlighting the value of comprehensive genetic testing, we address the crucial knowledge gaps Cynthia encountered. By curating a visually calming website and fostering connections among survivors, medical professionals, and newly diagnosed patients, Learn Look Locate aims to alleviate the feelings of isolation and anxiety that often accompany a breast cancer diagnosis. We are committed to empowering individuals at every stage of their cancer journey, from early detection to treatment and beyond. Through Cynthia’s story and countless others, we continue to spread awareness, offer support, and inspire hope, reminding everyone affected by breast cancer that they are not alone in this fight.