Our Stories

An 8 CM breast cancer within four months of a "normal" mammogram. Another sad but common story of missed cancer. Let's change this NOW!

Name:  Teresa

State:  New York

Date of Diagnosis: October 4, 2009

Age at Diagnosis:  52

Stage of Diagnosis:  Stage III

Time from "normal" mammogram to Stage 3 diagnosis:  four months

How was cancer detected: By me

Teresa's Story:  This is the same story that has already been told. I had a clear mammogram in June of 2009.  By October 4, 2009 I had an 8 cm tumor with cancerous lymph nodes - triple negative breast cancer.  I did all the right things.  I exercised and went to my doctor regularly.  The radiologist told me that the mammogram could not see my 8cm tumor because my breast tissue was too dense.   I replied, "why have I been getting a mammogram for 12 years???"   What a shock and what a false sense of security.  As I went through chemotherapy, surgery, more chemotherapy and radiation, I was praying for someone to say I was not alone.  I found Are You Dense web site through the CNN report and now I know I am not alone.  Now WE must tell ALL women our stories so they will know and be informed!!   My cancer should have been found EARLY - since I was a faithful patient.  NO one ever mentioned to me about my dense breasts and what that means to me.  If I had known I would have asked for supplemental screening!!   Please help me spread the word about dense breast tissue because your life matters.