Julie Devaney Hogan, a 38-year-old mother of three from Boston, had a life-changing experience when she discovered a lump in her breast while getting ready for a beach day. Initially dismissed by doctors, the pea-sized bump turned out to be stage three breast cancer that had already spread. Julie underwent a double mastectomy and 12 rounds of chemotherapy, but tests later revealed that the cancer was still present. She is now undergoing another round of chemotherapy and plans to have reconstructive breast surgery in the future.
Julie’s diagnosis at the age of 37 is significant, as less than five percent of breast cancer cases occur in individuals under 40. Reflecting on her experience, she credits her bikini for saving her life. In an essay addressed to her breasts, she describes the moment she felt a small pebble inside them, which turned out to be invasive ductal carcinoma.
Despite initially being assured by doctors that the lump was nothing to worry about, Julie’s nurse friend urged her to seek further tests. Eventually, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer that required immediate treatment. Although Julie didn’t exhibit any typical symptoms or have a family history of the disease, she took the proactive step of getting a mammogram and biopsy, which confirmed her diagnosis.
Julie’s cancer turned out to be HER2-positive, a fast-growing and rapidly spreading type of breast cancer. She underwent surgery and chemotherapy, but scans revealed that the cancer persisted. Undeterred, Julie continues her fight against the disease with another round of chemotherapy, set to conclude next year. Additionally, she plans to undergo reconstructive breast surgery in November.
Reflecting on her journey, Julie emphasizes that cancer is not what is portrayed on TV. Despite her illness, she remains a busy mother juggling her career and the demands of her children. In a heartfelt essay about her breasts, she discusses her complex relationship with them, from adolescence to motherhood. She encourages other women, especially younger ones who are less at risk, to regularly check their breasts for any changes.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, with approximately 264,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States annually. While the majority of cases occur in women aged 55 and above, Julie’s case highlights the importance of awareness among younger women. Risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the disease, obesity, and regular alcohol consumption. Medical professionals recommend regular mammograms for women aged 45-54, and every two years from the age of 55. Clinical breast exams are also an option for women aged 25-39.
Treatment for breast cancer typically involves surgery to remove affected tissue and chemotherapy if the cancer has spread to other organs. Julie’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive healthcare. Through her initiative, Season for Squeezin’, she aims to empower and educate other women about the importance of breast self-examinations.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
