From Diagnosis to Empowerment: Cynthia’s Breast Cancer Journey and the Birth of Learn Look Locate

Dense Breasts and Missed Tumors

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.

My Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

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.

The Knowledge Gap and Emotional Struggles

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.

Founding Learn Look Locate

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.

Educating and Inspiring Others

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.

A Message from Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, Cynthia’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. Her resilience, dedication to early detection, and unwavering resolve in overcoming challenges serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources including Cynthia’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Cynthia and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.