As October comes to an end, the pink martinis have been drunk, the pink pompoms have gone flat, and the grocery store is getting ready to change out their donation signage for another important cause. But breast cancer? It doesn't care one bit about the calendar.
I know this because if it did, when my friend Dana was 37 weeks pregnant with her first child and just beginning her maternity leave, she would have been thinking about things like art for the nursery walls or where to best enjoy a mid-day nap. A casual ultrasound would have proved the lump in her breast was simply a clogged milk duct, like she thought it was.
But it wasn't. On Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, she was told she had breast cancer.
Six days later, her life-affirming daughter, Isabella, was born. Six days after that, their precious breastfeeding and bonding time came to an end so that Dana could undergo surgery. Her lumpectomy and lymph node removal -- which showed 10 of 13 lymph nodes contained cancer -- confirmed that she had stage 3C cancer (ER+ with strong HER2 over-expression = aggressive!).
Of course being Bella's mom was the best medicine, but that still came with months of chemotherapy, radiation, pills, and monthly anti-estrogen injections.
And for 18 months, Dana was able to enjoy good health. Then she had a recurrence in January, 2010.
Because the cancer returned in the same breast, she had a mastectomy on her left side, as well as more lymph nodes removed. More cancer. More chemo. More follow-up pills and shots. And, finally, an oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery) last year.
But here's the thing. Dana's story? It's not a sad one, it's a hopeful one. Because while she fought -- and continues to fight thanks to the spots on her lungs that are too small to biopsy, but present as possible metastatic breast cancer to her lungs -- she celebrates the happy moments that come in spite of the fear and struggle. And she continues to not only live, but inspire people around her.
Dana has used her journey to spread awareness and provide guidance and support to others going through their own battles. She's living proof that seven years, two battles, six surgeries, three missing body parts, 20 doses of chemo, 30 rounds of radiation, seven threatening shadows, hundreds of injections, numerous maintenance pills, tons of scans, and hour upon hour of scanxiety are no match for one very strong woman.
The message Dana shares loud and clear? Don't be blinded by the pink. Heed the message. Be proactive. Know that only 5-10 percent of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, which means the rest are a total crapshoot. Like hers.
Don't simply donate to the cause. Be a crusader for you own cause. Know your breasts. Take note of changes. Trust your instincts. And, should you ever hear the dreaded words she did, "You have cancer," know that you're not alone.
Should it be me, I'll do my best to learn from Dana. The way she stays so very positive -- looking to the world with gratitude, appreciating the small moments. The way she humbly leans on others when she's in need. And the way she takes each step as it comes, one day at a time. I will see her vulnerable, yet strong picture in my mind, and hear her words echo in my thoughts, "You can and will beat the beast! Viva La Cure!"
Amy Heinz is a San Francisco Bay Area mom of three and the writer behind Using Our Words--her parenting blog filled with lessons she's learned (usually the hard way), laughs she's enjoyed (mostly at her own expense), and tears she's shed (this mama's got heart). You can also find her on Facebook.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.