Knowing That There Are 12 Signs of Breast Cancer Saved Christie’s Life

免責事項：Know Your Lemonsは、乳がん患者が共有する経験や物語を深く尊重します。これらの体験談に記載されているアドバイス、記述、事実は、必ずしも医学的な専門知識と一致するものではありませんし、すべての個人の状況に普遍的に適用されるものでもありません。乳がんは複雑で非常に個人差のある病状であり、これらの体験談は貴重な洞察や精神的な支えになりますが、専門的な医療アドバイスや治療の代わりになるものではありません。乳がんの診断、治療、管理に関する個別のガイダンスと意思決定については、常に資格を有する医療提供者にご相談ください。Know Your Lemonsは、乳がんに罹患した人々にとって最善のケアと転帰が得られるよう、患者、介護者、医療従事者の協力的なアプローチを奨励しています。

Hi everyone, my name is Christie, and I’m from the Bay Area, California. At the age of 37, I found myself on a journey I never expected: a diagnosis of stage 1B invasive lobular carcinoma breast cancer. It was terrifying, especially as a mother to a three-year-old daughter. But I’m here to share my story of early detection, resilience, and how the Know Your Lemons Foundation played a pivotal role in saving my life.

I discovered the lump during a routine self-exam. Thanks to Know Your Lemons, I knew to look beyond the typical “hard lump” often associated with breast cancer. My lump was soft, tissue-like, and easy to overlook. Even my plastic surgeon missed it during an exam. But because I used the Know Your Lemons app, I knew how to do a thorough self-check and recognized that something felt off. Trusting my instincts, I sought medical advice. 

As a lawyer who juggles a busy career and an active lifestyle filled with hiking, biking, and quality time with my daughter, I never imagined breast cancer would be part of my story. I had no family history and followed a healthy lifestyle. But breast cancer doesn’t always fit a predictable mold. Knowing the 12 signs of breast cancer and advocating for yourself are crucial—especially for women under 40 who don’t typically qualify for mammograms.

Today, I’m thrilled to share that after months of chemotherapy, 26 rounds of radiation, and a mastectomy, my one-year mammogram showed no evidence of the disease. I’ve returned to my hobbies and even found time to play the baritone saxophone, a surprising passion of mine. Life after breast cancer feels sweeter, and I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge and resources that helped me catch it early.

I encourage everyone to download the Know Your Lemons app, learn the 12 signs of breast cancer, and make self-exams a regular habit. It’s a small step that could save your life—just like it saved mine. Stay vigilant, trust yourself, and remember, early detection is key.

Click Here to view Christie’s video testimonial.