What happened, in summary

Cynthia Jordan had normal mammograms for 13 years and no symptoms, even while a walnut-sized tumor was growing in her breast. She had dense breasts but had not been educated about what that meant or why supplemental screening could matter. In 2018, a mammogram letter finally said something looked suspicious, so she had an ultrasound and biopsy. She was diagnosed with Stage IIB invasive ductal carcinoma, with a 3.7 cm tumor that doctors said may have been hidden for years. Cynthia had no family history of breast cancer and was shocked by how much uncertainty came with the diagnosis. Because her breasts were small and she wanted the cancer removed, she chose a double mastectomy. After surgery, atypical hyperplasia was found in the other breast, reinforcing that decision. A small amount of cancer was also found in a sentinel node, so she received 25 rounds of radiation. She did not need chemotherapy. Recovery brought lasting physical effects: phantom nerve pain, tight scars, limited arm movement, stiffness, and a severe new allergy to fragrances and certain disinfectants. Radiation ended at the end of January, after surgery on October 16. As of June 2023, Cynthia was about 4 years out, described herself as cancer-free, and had built Learn Look Locate to help other people understand breast density, screening, and survivorship.