Eight years ago, I heard three words that nobody ever wants to hear: “You have cancer.”

With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to a close, I wanted to share my story. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you should never take your health for granted, and I hope my experience encourages someone to book that appointment they’ve been putting off.

When I look back on my breast cancer journey, I often think about how it all came about. A routine appointment, a woman who encouraged me to book a mammogram, and a decision that quite literally changed my life. Today, I’m incredibly grateful to be eight years cancer-free!

The Mammogram I Almost Didn’t Book

In December 2017, I went to a medical facility to schedule an MRI for a bad back. While I was there, a lady who worked at the facility suggested I book a mammogram while I was at it. To be honest, I wasn’t particularly worried about breast cancer. There was absolutely no history of breast cancer in my family, or any cancer for that matter, so it really wasn’t something I thought much about. But thankfully, I listened to her advice and made the appointment.

My routine mammogram showed something suspicious in my right breast, and I was called back for further testing. The initial findings turned out to be precancerous calcifications. However, because I have very dense breast tissue, the doctors decided to investigate further with a 3D mammogram and an ultrasound.  And that’s when they found something completely unexpected. A small lump in my left breast.  It hadn’t shown up on my original routine mammogram. After a biopsy, I received the news in January 2018 that I had an invasive ductal carcinoma. I had breast cancer.

It’s quite something to think that I went in to arrange an MRI for my back and ended up discovering something that could have changed the course of my life.

A Diagnosis, But Also Reasons to Be Grateful

There’s really no way to prepare yourself for hearing those words, “You have cancer.” I was obviously shocked, but I was also incredibly fortunate that the cancer had been caught so early.

The tumour was relatively small, and my diagnosis was grade 2, stage 1A. Because it was discovered early, I was able to have a lumpectomy rather than a mastectomy.

During surgery, the doctors also removed the precancerous calcifications from my right breast, along with a couple of lymph nodes to check whether the cancer had spread.

Thankfully, the results showed that the cancer was contained within my left breast. I felt incredibly lucky. I often think about what might have happened if I’d never booked that mammogram, or if the doctors hadn’t recommended the additional imaging because of my dense breast tissue. The lump in my left breast hadn’t been detected on the original mammogram, and I might not have known about it for much longer.

There’s one conversation from that time that has always stayed with me. The radiographer who called to tell me my diagnosis said: “Someone up there is looking out for you for sure as we would never have found this on a routine mammo.” I’ve always believed that someone was my dad.

My dad and I shared a very special bond, and I like to think he was looking out for me when I needed him most. It’s a thought that has stayed with me over the years, and one that still means a lot to me.

Twenty Radiation Treatments and Michael by My Side

Following surgery, I went on to have 20 radiation treatments.

Thankfully, I had my husband Michael beside me every step of the way. He took me to every single radiation appointment. Every. Single. One.

I really can’t put into words how much that meant to me. Having someone there to support you through something like this makes such a difference, and I’ll always be grateful that he was right there beside me. In May 2018, I completed my radiation treatments and got to ring the bell. What a feeling that was! It marked the end of a pretty challenging few months, and it’s a moment I’ll always remember.

Why I Chose to Stay Positive and Talk About My Cancer

Everyone deals with a cancer diagnosis differently, and I completely understand that some people prefer to keep their experience private. For me, though, talking about it was incredibly therapeutic. I found it helped to be open about what I was going through, and I made a conscious effort to stay as cheerful and upbeat as I could.

That doesn’t mean it was all easy, or that I didn’t understand how serious it was. I just wanted to get through each day with as positive an outlook as possible.

I remember someone asking me once how I managed to stay so upbeat throughout everything. My response was: “I don’t know much about this disease, but I do know that a positive attitude and being upbeat is better than letting it get you down.” And that really was how I felt. Of course, I know that being positive doesn’t determine the outcome of cancer treatment, and everyone deals with these things in their own way. For me, though, trying to stay upbeat helped me get through a difficult time. Talking about it, having a laugh when I could, and leaning on the people I loved all helped along the way.

Eight Years Cancer-Free and Still Grateful

And here I am, eight years later, cancer-free and feeling very fortunate indeed. I still have my mammogram every year, and I never take those appointments for granted.

When I look back, it’s quite incredible to think about how one small decision led to another. The appointment I made for my back. The woman who encouraged me to book a mammogram. The additional imaging that found a lump the original mammogram hadn’t shown. The doctors who caught my cancer early. Michael, who never missed a radiation appointment. And, of course, my dad, who I believe was looking out for me. So many little things came together to make such a huge difference in my life.

My experience has taught me just how important early detection can be. Cancer doesn’t always come with a family history or obvious warning signs, and I certainly never expected to receive that diagnosis. It’s also why I continue to keep up with my annual screenings. I’m very aware of how fortunate I was that everything came to light when it did.

My Message to Close Out This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to encourage everyone to make their health a priority. Don’t put off speaking to your doctor about breast cancer screening. Find out which screenings are right for you, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, particularly if you have dense breast tissue or notice something that concerns you. I nearly missed the opportunity to discover my cancer early simply because I didn’t think I had anything to worry about.

I’m so glad I listened to that woman who encouraged me to book my mammogram. I’ll probably never know her name, but her advice made an enormous difference to my life.

And if you’re currently facing a breast cancer diagnosis, or supporting someone who is, please know that there’s no single right way to get through it. It’s okay to be scared, to have difficult days, to talk about it or to keep things private. Do whatever feels right for you, and lean on the people around you when you need to.

For me, the love and support of my family, along with trying to keep a positive outlook, helped me through one of the most challenging times of my life.

Eight years later, I’m still here, still smiling, and still grateful for every single day.  If sharing my story encourages even one person to book that mammogram or have a conversation with their doctor, then I’m glad I shared it.

With love and gratitude,

Lee Smalley
REALTOR® | Energy Realty

This story reflects my personal experience and is not medical advice. Screening and follow-up recommendations are individual, so please speak with your healthcare provider about what’s appropriate for you.