Melinda’s Story

Last year, I thought barbells for boobs was just another fundraising event that would give the boys a good chuckle. I didn’t really pay attention to the cause; breast cancer blah blah blah.

This year, the event has my full attention. This year I will participate as a survivor.

I was diagnosed with stage IIa invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 37 on March 23, 2011. I found the lump during a shower. Not using any fancy self exams, just knowing my own landscape and knowing something was abnormal.

With the encouragement of my friends, I went to my primary care doc to get it checked out. Because of my age, she could have easily dismissed the lump and assumed it was just a cyst. You see, the average age at diagnosis is 63. In addition, the new guidelines suggest mammograms are not needed until you are 40. I was lucky to have a primary care doc who is smart and attentive and who immediately scheduled me for a mammogram.

Others are not so lucky. Others think mammograms are for older women. Others don’t pay attention to boob lumps. Others have their concerns dismissed because they do not fit the typical profile of a breast cancer patient. Others are turned away because they have no insurance and cannot afford to get a mammogram on their own (my mammogram cost a few thousand dollars after it was all said and done).

This is so sad to me because my mammogram saved my life.

Because of this mammogram, I went on to have a biopsy that confirmed that my lump was indeed abnormal. Because of this mammogram, I found out I carried a genetic mutation predisposing me to more breast cancer and ovarian cancer too. Because of this mammogram, I went on to have a double mastectomy. Because of this mammogram, I went through chemotherapy. Because of this mammogram, I am now cancer free. Because of this mammogram, I will participate in Amazing Grace 2011, with my wonderfully supportive CrossfitDurham family, as a survivor.

Barbells for Boobs is fun to say and I’m sure the boys do get a good chuckle. But this year, all i ask is that you pay attention to the cause. Learn about what the founders are doing with the money raised (cliffs notes version – they are saving lives). Maybe donate what you can. Participate in the event. Or just show up and cheer me on!

Save your TaTas!  Know your own landscape!

Melinda

Click here to help support Mammograms in Action!  Learn more about the Barbells For Boobs event here

 

  • #1 written by avidbruxist 1 year ago

    Teary-eyed and lumpy-throated over here.

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  • #2 written by Katie McNeilly 1 year ago

    Hi Melinda (and CrossFit Durham). I work for Mammograms In Action (Barbells For Boobs), and Z (founder and president) forwarded me this link. You are an amazing woman. You are the reason why we do what we do. On behalf of the entire B4B team, thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully we can meet you one day!

    Katie McNeilly

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  • #3 written by Robyn Bennett 1 year ago

    Melinda,
    Your story is exactly why I do what I do to support this cause and Mammograms In Action as part of their org team and a dedicated volunteer. I’m organizing the Barbells for Boobs event here in San Diego for the second year in a row because my Mom is a survivor. She was diagnosed last June, finished chemo and radiation this past January and will be at our event this Sunday cheering me on cancer-free…all because of her mammogram. It saved her life like it did yours and so many other men and women. I am honored and grateful to do what I can to help raise awareness and ignite a fire in women to be brave, bold and trust their instincts just like you did. Thank you for sharing your voice and I wish you ALL the best for an incredible event and a courageous healthy future ahead!
    Robyn (CrossFit San Elijo)

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  • #4 written by Robin Bodwin 1 year ago

    I sent this story onto Zionna Munoz, the president of Mammograms in Action. It brought her to tears to be able to share such a powerful story of survival!

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