Breast Cancer Awareness October 2016
Losing Mom at just 4 years old
New 3-D Technology! Mary Lindner PLUS! + + +
Self Exam Tips False Positive/Negative 2016 Estimates
A BRAINERD DISPATCH, ECHO JOURNAL PUBLICATION
Deb Exsted
She took on breast cancer and won the battle!
Here with you beating cancer
Early diagnosis makes a difference in the fight against cancer. That’s why Essentia Health provides breast, colon and lung cancer screenings. Thanks to a new low-dose CT scan and a mammogram, cancers in Pat’s lung and breast were detected at early stages. She is now cancer-free! The accreditated Cancer Center at Essentia HealthSt. Joseph’s Medical Center supports every patient on their journey with a patient navigator, clinical trial options and a multidisciplinary team. 218.828.3113 EssentiaHealth.org/BrainerdCancerCenter
Contents Breast Cancer Awareness ‘16 Features
Articles
08 For My Mother
Mammograms.......................4
Patty Middleton Miller lost her mother just
New 3-D Technology is now available in the Brainerd lakes area.
before her fifth birthday. Missing her mother,
Breast Cancer Stages............6
By Sarah Nelson-Katzenberger
she has spent a lifetime raising awareness.
Stages of breast cancer defined.
12 Deb Exsted By Rebecca Flansburg A painful lump in her armpit was a symptom of breast cancer Deb Exsted didn't expect at just 36 years old.
On the cover: Deb Exsted Photo by Steve Kohls
18 Mary Lindner By Sheila Helmberger A mammogram saved her life over 20 years ago. With her through the battle was her family and faith.
To our readers, We are so very honored and thankful to our featured survivors who
Self Exam..............................16 Steps and tips to help you recognize abnormalities.
Terms to know......................22 Common breast health and diagnosis terms.
were willing to share their very personal and compelling stories with us in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Publication Staff Many thanks!
Publisher: PETE MOHS Advertising Director: SUSIE ALTERS Marketing Coordinator: LEO MILLER Copy Editor: DELYNN HOWARD Content and Art Director: LISA HENRY
Breast Cancer Awareness is an annual publication of the Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal. Questions or comments, please email: Leo.Miller@BrainerdDispatch.com
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
3
EDUCATION
Mammograms
Ask your Doctor!
3-D mammogram technology now in the Brainerd lakes area 3-D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, is a relatively new breast imaging procedure approved by the Food And Drug Administration in 2011 according to the National Cancer Institute. Unlike 2-D mammograms (top and side views), the 3-D mammogram process is similar to a CT scan (computed tomography) in which it captures multiple image slices of the breast at multiple angles allowing radiologists to examine each "slice." Our three major health clinics in the area now offer this technology. Cuyuna Regional Medical Center's installation of the technology earlier in April was an addition to their new Women's Imaging Center. According to Dale VanHorn, Director of Radiology at CRMC, there are multiple benefits of the new technology Including:
Benefits of 3-D
• Earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden on a conventional mammogram • Greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of breast abnormalities • Fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests • Greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumors • Clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue
Lakewood Health System began offering the new imaging with an installation in December 2015 and a go-live date of February 2, 2016. Essentia Health also began offering the 3-D services shortly after in April 2016.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
Melinda Jackson, Breast Imaging Manager at CRMC.
Drawbacks?
According to cancer.org, although uncommon, it is possible to find small breast cancers that would not become life threatening, grow or spread leading to over-diagnosis and over-treatment. However, doctors are unable to tell the difference so they treat them all. It is considered over-treatment and exposes women to adverse side effects, anxiety and follow up screenings.
Q.
At what age do I need to start mammograms? Short answer: Talk to your doctor.
Did you know?
Mammogram Stats
Age 50-59
There's help to pay for your mammogram
Women who got mammograms on a regular basis had a 14 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer.
To find out if you qualify for a free or low-cost mammogram and Pap test and where to get screened:
Age 60-69
1-888-643-2584
Women who got mammograms on a regular basis had a 33 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
5
EDUCATION
Breast Cancer Stages Stage 0-l
Stage II (A,B)
Stage 0- Non-invasive breast cancers are considered stage 0 which means they have not seen any indication that the cancer cells or the abnormal non-cancerous cells have spread out of the part of the breast in which they started. Stage I- (invasive breast cancer) has two categories. Stage IA refers to a cancerous breast tumor up to two centimeters and has not spread outside the breast or into the lymph nodes. Stage IB refers to both a tumor in the breast, two centimeters or less and small groups of cancer cells in the lymph nodes that are no larger than two millimeters. In some cases of stage IB, there is no breast tumor but small groups of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. The ACS notes that the five-year survival rate for stage I breast cancers is roughly 100 percent.
Both invasive, Stage IIA- No tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer larger than two millimeters is found in one to three axillary (under the arm) lymph nodes or in breast bone lymph nodes. Stage llA- tumor is two centimeters or less and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes or the tumor is between two centimeters but not larger than five centimeters and has not spread to the axillary lymph nodes. Stage IIB- The tumor measures between two and five centimeters, and there are small groups of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. These small groups of cells are between 0.2 and two millimeters. Stage IIB may also be used to describe breast cancers in which the tumor is larger than two centimeters but no larger than five centimeters and the cancer has spread to be-
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
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tween one and three axillary lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone. Tumors that are larger than five centimeters but have not spread to the axillary lymph nodes may also be referred to as stage IIB breast cancers. The five-year survival rate for stage II breast cancers is about 93 percent.
the lymph nodes near the breastbone. In stage IIIC breast cancer, doctors may not see any sign of cancer in the breast. If there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast. To be categorized as stage IIIC, the cancer must also have spread to 10 or more axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes above or below the collarbone or to the axillary lymph nodes or Stage III (A,B,C) Stage III cancers are invasive breast cancers broken down lymph nodes near the breastbone. The ACS notes that wominto three categories: IIIA, IIIB and IIIC. When patients are di- en diagnosed with stage III breast cancer are often successfully agnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer, that means doctors may treated and that the five-year survival rate is 72 percent. not have found a tumor in their breast or the tumor may be any size. In stage IIIA, cancer may have been found in four to nine Stage IV axillary lymph nodes or in the lymph nodes near the breastbone. Invasive breast cancers that have spread beyond the breast Tumors larger than five centimeters that are accompanied by and lymph nodes to other areas of the body are referred to as small groups of breast cancer cells (larger than 0.2 millimeter stage IV. Stage IV breast cancer may be a recurrence of a previbut no larger than two millimeters) in the lymph nodes also in- ous breast cancer, though some women with no prior history of dicate a breast cancer has advanced to stage IIIA. But stage breast cancer receive stage IV diagnoses. The five-year survival IIIA may also be used to describe breasts cancers in which the rate for stage IV breast cancers is 22 percent. tumor is larger than five centimeters and the cancer has spread to one to three axillary lymph nodes or to the lymph nodes near More information about breast cancer is available at the breastbone. A stage IIIB breast cancer diagnosis indicates the tumor may www.breastcancer.org. be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast, causing swelling or an ulcer. The cancer may have 4.5x5.25 You can to Always Count - Back of Nurse_Layout 9/7/15 4:09 PM Page 1 spread to up nine axillary lymph nodes1 or may have spread to
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
7
FAMILY SURVIVOR
For My Mother A lifetime honoring her mother’s memory.
When Patty Miller walks, she wears a T-shirt with the names of the more than 120 individuals she walks on behalf of, her mom’s name printed the largest across the front of her shirt.
BY SARAH NELSON KATZENBERGER FEATURE WRITER
Patty
Middleton Miller is a cancer survivor. It was not
her own cancer she survived, but her mother’s. To this day, she isn’t even certain what kind of cancer took her mom’s life. In 1954, when her 35-year-old mother succumbed to the disease, they only referred to what she had as “women’s cancer.” Miller was only four-years-old when her mom died at the hospital that is now Cuyuna Regional Medical Center.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
“I remember everything about her,” Miller said. “She was bigger than life.” Miller’s mother was a teacher until she married and had children. She then began teaching piano from her home. “There was always music in our house,” Miller recalled. “Then one day she just got so sick.” Cancer treatment has evolved tremendously since the 1950s. In that era, radical surgery was often the solution for invasive cancers like breast cancer, leaving many women faced with complete mastectomy resulting in vast deformity. In cases of ovarian cancer, many women underwent the physical and emotional trauma of painful hysterectomy. “It was just so barbaric,” Miller said. While pain management and compassionate care is now the standard, Miller’s mother faced a brutal painful battle against her disease. Many times she was alone. Miller isn’t certain of the timeline because, she said, no one really talked about it with her. “I just remember going to visit her at the (University of Minnesota hospital), and we were too young to go in to see her,” Miller said. “She came home to the hospital in Crosby and died four days before I turned five — it just happened so fast.”
“I remember everything about her...
She was bigger than life.”
Mom Middleton
Mom and Dad Middleton.
“I just always had it as a cause because I just missed her so much.”
Approximately two years before their mother’s passing, Patty Middleton Miller (right) and her brother, Carney "Butch" sit at their mother’s piano. Miller recalled the house being filled with music.
- Patty Middleton Miller Miller’s young mother also left behind Miller’s older brother, who was seven at the time, and her one-year-old sister. Now a mother of grown children, Miller said she has a great deal of empathy for her mom. “It was just so tragic,” Miller said. “I can’t even imagine what she must have felt, knowing she was leaving behind these three babies.” As best as she can guess, Miller’s mother battled cancer for just a few months before it finally took her life. “I still think about her everyday,” Miller said. “I miss her terribly.” From a young age, Miller remembers wanting to do something to honor her mother’s memory and help make the battle against cancer easier for others. As a little girl, Miller walked door-to-door raising money for the newly established American Cancer Society. “I just always had it as a cause because I just missed her so much,” Miller said. “I’ve always been passionate about funding and finding a cure for cancer.” More than half a century later, Miller, now 68, is still walking. And she’s making a big difference. For the last eight years, Miller has tackled the Susan G. Komen three-day 60-mile walk for a cure. Her walking has raised over $99,000. The Susan G.
M
The Christmas following their mother's passing, Patty (left) and siblings, Penney Johnston and, now deceased, Carney "Butch."
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
9
Komen foundation provides funding for education, research and resources — particularly for those who are uninsured or underinsured and unable to access care. The organization has raised $889 million for breast cancer. Miller walks with breast cancer survivors, family members and friends. “You find so many survivors — people who have made it,” Miller said. “It’s a real bonding experience and a real healing time too.” Miller spent her life honoring her mother’s memory. She went into a career in education, both teaching and serving as a high school guidance counselor. “I thought maybe I could help kids like my mom did,” she said. Upon retirement, Miller devoted herself to continuing her mom’s legacy by walking in her honor. She said she thought it would be difficult to ask others for money, but over the years she’s gotten bolder. “People are so good and are so generous,” she said. She has received donations ranging fro $5 to $1,000. Miller also volunteers in hospice, spending time with individuals facing deadly disease so they won’t have to do it alone. All the while, with the memory of her young mother and the brave face she put on while fighting her cancer knowing she would eventually leave behind her husband and three small children.
“Everyone has been touched by some kind of cancer in some way... This really affects all of us.” - Patty Middleton Miller “Everyone has been touched by some kind of cancer in some way,” she said. “This really affects all of us.” Miller walked the most recent Susan G. Komen Three-Day walk in the Twin Cities in the rain. “It just poured through most of it,” she recalled. Miller said she met a man along the way that she has seen over the years handing out roses to breast cancer survivors. She discovered to man had just lost his wife to breast cancer. They hugged as he broke down and cried — both sharing their stories. This year, she found the man again, “doing better and finding healing.” “There are people like that along the whole way,” Miller said. “It’s turned into something that has been really healing for me.” In August 2017, Miller will walk again from Southdale Mall in Edina to the Capitol building in St. Paul because she believes a cure is in within reach and because she believes women, like her mother, deserve a fighting chance and they should not have to fight alone. Treatment has come along way since Miller’s mother battled cancer. Prognosis is far more positive and early detection is credited with a notable decline in mortality rate. “We’ve come so far,” Miller said. “I want to do more — there’s always more.”
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
Miller’s walking has raised over
$99k
Miller at the Susan G Komen 3-Day, 60 Mile walks over the years. Clockwise: at Southdale Center, Edina, MN; with Tam McConaughey, 2011; At the 2012 finish line with son, Austin Miller and friend, Claudia Russ, 2012. Breast Breast Cancer Cancer Awareness Awareness •• October October 2016 2016
11 11
SURVIVOR
Deb Exsted
Diagnosed at just 36 years old with no family history of breast cancer BY REBECCA FLANSBURG FEATURE WRITER
It
was a storm that brought Ironton resident Deb Exsted to the
Brainerd lakes area in the late 1990s - a powerful tornado to be exact. Born and raised in St. Peter, Deb and her parents found themselves homeless after an unseasonably-strong F4 tornado devastated their community. Losing her home made it hard to keep her career as an admin with a local cardiologist so Deb began looking for a new community to relocate to and call “home.”
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
PHOTO BY STEVE KOHLS
She always knew breast cancer would be part of her story. Lisa Slepica, Clinical Nurse Educator at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center facilitates a group of breast cancer survivors and shares her own survival story.
“Early detection is the best chance you have for winning the battle.” -Deb Exsted
“
Photo: Exsted’s support quilt sewn together by sister-in-law, Jodi Elskamp displays special messages from family and friends. “I just cried and cried when I first saw it, it was so meaningful and special,” Said Exsted.
“It wasn’t ever really a matter of if, but when.” - Slepica said of her breast cancer diagnosis
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
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“After the tornado devastated St. Peter in March of 1998, there was no housing to be had for miles,” Deb recalled. “My parents lived in a FEMA trailer for quite some time and I was basically living out of my car. Knowing that my life had to change, I visited a friend in the Crosby-Ironton area that I had grown up with. It was then that I made the bold move to leave St. Peter and relocate to Ironton. Unable to find a job in the cardiology field, Deb joined the team at Aicota Nursing home for a short time. She enjoyed her time there but was always on the look-out for a job more suited to her talents. In 1999 she applied with the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Department as a confidential administrative secretary. Several interviews later she landed the job, a position she has proudly held for 17 years. Not long after her move to Crosby-Ironton, she also met the love of her life and married Dan Exsted in 2001. Years passed and her life continued moving forward on a high note. But unbeknownst to the young couple, there was another “storm” brewing.
“I noticed a very painful lump under my armpit.” -Deb Exsted “In 2009, I noticed a very painful lump under my armpit,” Deb remembered. “It was in an uncomfortable spot so it bothered me quite a bit. I thought it was a cyst because it was deep into my armpit and I really didn’t think it involved any breast tissue. I finally couldn’t take the pain anymore and went to see my regular doctor.” Concerned, her doctor immediately sent her to radiology for an ultrasound. At age 36, Deb had never had a mammogram, but due to size of the mass in her armpit, the clinic scheduled her for her first-ever mammogram the very same day. “The general consensus among my health team was that they ‘weren’t sure’ what the mass was and scheduled me for a biopsy as well,” Deb remembered. “By then I knew something was up and it probably wasn’t going to be good.”
Team Exsted was one of the largest in the Susan G. Komen event history. Past team shirts >>>> 14
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
“I knew something was up and it probably wasn’t going to be good.” -Deb Exsted After taking several specimens from the tumor that had quickly advanced from grape-sized to golf ball-sized, the results of the biopsy pointed to one thing. In April of 2009, Deb found herself struggling to understand a diagnosis of breast cancer. “I was only 36 and there was no history of breast cancer in my family,” she revealed. “The events leading up to that diagnosis was like a whirlwind. It all happened so fast and there was a period of time where I felt overwhelmed. But I also knew I needed to stay strong, be matter-of-fact about it and just get it taken care of ASAP.”
Not knowing what to expect, Deb made a conscious choice to not let her thoughts run wild or even go online to research her condition. She was determined to do what needed to be done, but kept a positive outlook in the process. The following week she underwent lumpectomy breast cancer surgery to remove a softball-sized area from her breast and armpit area. Another wrinkle in her diagnosis came when she found out the cancerous tissue was triple negative breast cancer. “That meant that my breast cancer cells tested negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone and testosterone (HER2),” she noted. “It also meant that the doctors didn’t know what was feeding the aggressive growth of my tumor so chemo treatments were my only option.” Twelve rounds of chemo and 36 rounds of radiation followed and throughout her treatment and recovery, Deb was surrounded by the love and support of friends and family. Husband, Dan, was by her side for appointments and treatments as was best friend, Patty Blom, owner of Pink Ribbon Insurance. “Dan and Patty were my greatest cheerleaders, but the nurses who cared for me during my treatment were amazing as well. Lisa Olds and Exsted with husband, Dan, Gail Temple became like family to me. They were my security who was by her side every step blanket because I always knew they would take great care of of the way. Right, picture of her me. Everyone on my medical team at Cuyuna Regional Medical long hair before losing it. Center were so kind and nurturing.” It was also during this time that Deb had the honor of walking in the Susan G. Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure for To those who may be just starting out in their cancer jourthe first time. Team Exsted was formed in July of 2009 and was ney, Deb had these words of advice to share: “You have to be a team created by Patty along with Deb’s brother and sister-in- your own best advocate when it comes to navigating a cancer law Jim and Trish Exsted. “We had a huge team of family and diagnosis and recovery,” she concluded. “Don’t be afraid to ask friends, one of the largest in the Brainerd lakes event history,” questions, get a second opinion or even change oncologists if Deb fondly recalled. “Everyone also worked together to help you feel you are not ‘clicking’ with your current one. Your health create a messages quilt for me. Each quilt block had a special care team becomes like family and your doctors want the best message from someone on the team. My sister-in-law, Jodi El- for you as well. They want you to live. But it’s your life and your skamp, sewed all the messages together to make a quilt for me body, honor both by doing what’s best for you. Even before a and the end result was extraordinary.” cancer diagnosis touches your life, be sure and take care of With the early days of her diagnosis and recovery far behind yourself and get your mammograms. Taking charge of your own her, Deb proudly shared that she passed the significant five-year health is the best gift you can ever give your family. milestone of being cancer free in 2014. Being able to achieve the five years cancer free mark, when many others in her circle of “cancer friends” were not able to, is something she is grateful for.
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
15
EDUCATION
Self-Exam
M
Every Month!
onthly self-exams are important to familiarize yourself with the look and feel of your
breasts, enabling you to recognize any abnormalities. There are a number of ways to conduct a breast self-exam. Find the method you feel most comfortable.
IN THE MIRROR
LYING DOWN
Note size and shape of both breasts. Look for differences between breasts. Pay attention to how they change during menstruation. Many women find their breasts are not exactly the same size or shape.
NBCF advises conducting an examination in bed. The breast tissue will naturally distribute over your chest wall and ribs when you are lying down.
Positions: • Arms at sides • Arms over head • Arms on hips Abnormalities to look for in each position: • Unusual dimpling or puckering • Taut or thick skin • Inverted nipples • Swelling, redness
IN THE SHOWER Examine breasts in the shower. It’s a convenient place to conduct an exam. The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) suggests NBCF says you should use the pads of your fingers and move around your entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
• Place a pillow under your shoulder and your arm behind your head. • Using your opposite hand, move the pads of your fingers around your breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit. • Squeeze the nipple and check for discharge or lumps. • Repeat process on the other side.
Did you know? Three quarters of breast
cancer patients have no family history and were not considered high risk.
Don't Panic!
Don’t panic. Make an appointment with your doctor. Any lumps or abnormalities should be examined more throughly which may include a mammogram or ultrasound.
14.6%
Did you know? 2016 Estimates:
Of new cancer cases in the U.S. are estimated to be female Breast Cancer.
246,660
new cases of invasive breast cancer
40,450
Female breast cancer is among the highest numbers of new cancers, but the death rate is lower than lung and colon cancers. Source: National Cancer Institute
breast cancer deaths
AA
A
B
C
D
DD F
G
32
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
17
SURVIVOR
Mary Lindner
Lifted by Faith And Family BY SHEILA HELMBERGER FEATURE WRITER
When
Mary Lind-
ner was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago, she says her annual mammogram saved her life. Feeling no pain or having any reason to think something might be wrong when her doctor called to say there was a lump they needed to take a better look at, she was surprised. Mary and Al Lindner (center) with sons, Troy, (left) and Chance Shawn.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
The lump in her breast was removed and with it they took 12 lymph nodes. “When the doctor said they had to take out 12 I thought, Oh! That’s one for each disciple,” she says. After the surgery when she had some time alone in her room Mary says she got angry. “I banged on the tray with my fist and I was shouting to God. All of a sudden in my heart He said to me, ‘It will be fine.’ At the time I remember thinking, how can it be fine? It’s cancer.'” She went home from the hospital and spend the night sleeping on a recliner. She had a drainage tube and stitches that required she keep one arm elevated, still she managed to get some rest.
At the time I remember thinking, 'how can it be fine? It’s cancer.'” - Mary Lindner
Dealing with the diagnosis
“I always had my annual mammogram. Even though, back then they didn’t have all of the publicity that we have now. Boy! Am I thankful.” She was told they would do surgery in five days and Mary called her husband, a professional fisherman who was out of town at a tournament. He said he would be right home. She convinced him to stay and finish the tournament because there was nothing either of them could do until her surgery. They prayed together over the phone before saying good-bye. “I had the surgery,” she says, “and I found out that for sure it was cancer. Prior to this I had been reading a book on healing scriptures. I used it to build myself up on the word of God.”
A good report, but radiation continued
Whenever she has a doctor’s appointment Mary says she always tells the doctor she expects a good report. The next news she received was very good. Her blood work looked fine. The lymph nodes were clear. “That was the prayer,” she said. Although the lump was a pea size and was diagnosed at a Stage 1 it still meant 32 treatments of radiation and five years on Tamoxifen, a medication used to treat breast cancer that blocks the estrogen hormone in the body. She also attended a support group. Mary is adopted but said both her biological sister and adoptive mother have passed away from breast cancer. At the time she never gave much thought about getting it herself.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
19
It’s overwhelming to see how many people breast cancer effects, both women and men” - Mary Lindner
The Lindners help raise awareness
Mary and Al Lindner at Susan G. Komen's Race For the Cure. Photo Credit: www.komenminnesota.org
“Just to laugh is so good for you. And you have to surround yourself with people who love you. - Mary Lindner You can read Mary’s story in her own words and Al's experience of having a spouse diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the Angling Edge website: Mary's Story http://www.anglingedge.com /inspiration/mary-lindners-big-challeng Al's Story http://www.anglingedge.com/node/1512.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
Mary, Al and their sons Troy and Chance Shawn, have participated in several cancer events and Mary uses her own experience to encourage others. She actively spreads the word about the importance of yearly mammograms. In 2009, she was the survivor co-chair and Al was honorary co-chair, for the Brainerd Lakes Affiliate, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. They have also participated in the Twin Cities Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Mall of America. Mary says it’s overwhelming to see how many people breast cancer effects, both women and men. She says her two sons have been a great support. Chance Shawn has a website called Chanceforhope. com. He uses it to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of mammograms. He has participated in walks in other states and was on the front page of the Denver Post when, to his mother’s delight, he wore his hair styled in a large pink mohawk. His license plate reads 4MYMOM with the pink ribbon logo. Her husband, Al, shares his own experience of what it was like to learn his spouse had cancer on the Angling Edge website.
A foundation for crisis
In the years since Mary’s breast cancer diagnosis, she has had three heart surgeries. Through all of her experiences her faith has never wavered. She has devotional books that she reads from cover to cover with notes and drawings adorning the margins that have helped give her strength. “She says, “The wonderful thing about having faith is when you go into a crisis you already have some foundation. We don’t do anything without prayer.” She says before her surgeries and other medical procedures Al prays over the medical team. “No doctor has ever refused our prayer,” she says. “In fact one doctor prayed for us after we prayed.” Today she said she spreads the word about mammograms wherever she goes and she exchanges stories with other cancer survivors, even in the grocery store.
If I could, I would wear a big neon sign on my back that says 'Get your annual mammogram.'” - Mary Lindner
"It is a choice to be positive or negative, to fight or just sit back. It’s always worth fighting.” - Mary Lindner
“If I see someone with a bandana on I will ask if they are a breast cancer survivor. It’s instant contact and sometimes we hug. One time I asked a young man about his ‘I Love the Ta Tas’ T-shirt and he said his mom had breast cancer. It opens a whole door and you can just help encourage them. There’s people all over that just need a smile. If I see a pink bracelet or a pink cancer pin I ask who in their family has it or has had it. Sometimes people are afraid to approach someone or say the word 'cancer' but we don’t mind it. It makes it easier." In spite of the cancer and heart surgeries Mary has a positive attitude and says she laughs a lot. “Just to laugh is so good for you. They’ve proven that. And you have to surround yourself with people who love you. It is a choice to be positive or negative, to fight or just sit back. It’s always worth fighting.”
Cancer free for almost 20 years
Today, Mary has been cancer free for almost 20 years, she knows how lucky she is. “Women don’t want to get their mammograms because they say they’re uncomfortable and they hurt, and they do. But I will talk to anyone, salesclerks and everyone else I see and remind them to get their mammograms. If I could, I would wear a big neon sign on my back that says 'Get your annual mammogram.'”
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
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EDUCATION
Terms to know Breast Health Terms
Healthy breast
Breast Cancer Tumor
Accessory breast tissue – Additional breast tissue is uncommonly found in the underarm area. Women with this condition often require special mammographic examination. Atypical hyperplasia – Benign condition in which breast tissue has abnormal characteristics. This condition increases the risk of breast cancer.
Asymptomatic
Many cancers can develop and grow without producing symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Breast density – Breast tissue that has many glands (lobules) close together. Dense breasts may make masses difficult to detect by physical examination or mammography. Cancer check-up – Routine exam for cancer without signs or symptoms of cancer. The goal is to find it early when chances for a cure are greatest. Phyllodes tumors – tumors that may be found in the glandular and connective tissues of the breast. Usually benign and rarely cancerous. Premalignant – Abnormal changes in cells that do not alway become cancer.
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milk ducts
milk ducts
lobules
(milk producing glands)
lobules
(milk producing glands)
fatty tissue
fatty tissue
Diagnosis Terms Inflammatory breast cancer – (IBC): Rare and very aggressive type that causes lymph vessels in the skin around the breast to become blocked. Breasts appear swollen, red and inflammed. Invasive lobular carcinoma – Arises in the milk-producing glands (lobules) then breaks through to involve the adjacent fatty tissue. Also called infiltrating lobular carcinoma.
In situ
Early stages of Cancer. It’s located where it originated and has not spread to nearby tissue also called “noninvasive.” Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – starts in the milk ducts then breaks through to invade fatty tissue of the breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2016
Mestastic
lso called Stage IV or advanced. Cancer cells have spread past the breast and lymph nodes to other body parts. Medullary carcinoma – Less common breast cancer. It is named after the brain because the tumor is gray like brain tissue. The cancer cells are large and form a barrier making it quite visible in mammograms. Mucinous carcinoma (Colloid) Rare condition where cancer cells within the breast produce mucus, forming a jelly-like tumor. Tumors may feel like bumpy water balloons. Some are too small to detect with the fingers.
Nodal status – If breast cancer has spread (node-positive) or hasn’t spread (node-negative) to lymph nodes in the armpit (axillary nodes). The number and site of positive axillary nodes can help predict the risk of cancer recurrence. Tubular carcinoma This is a common cancer for women ages 50 and older. When viewed under the microscope, tubular carcinoma cells have a distinctive tubular structure. There is a 95 percent survival rate for tubular carcinoma.
Warnings Symptoms to watch for: • Discomfort • Inverted nipple • Lumps • Nipple discharge • Redness • Swollen lymph nodes
Stay Informed.