It was so easy to put off—but it was a dire mistake. I had not had a mammogram in six years. Breast cancer does not run in my family so I mistakenly presumed I didn’t have anything to worry about. I’ve come to find out this is all-too-common among women; it took my dear friend Donna Luman mentioning her own recent mammogram and insisting I get one too to finally convince me to go.
Within just a handful of days, I went from a mammogram to a biopsy to a lumpectomy that ultimately revealed I was in the early stages of breast cancer. I am one of the 1.4M Americans who have learned or will learn they have cancer this year, the vast majority of them learning through a simple screening.
Even more overwhelming than absorbing the diagnosis was breaking the news to my family and even my friends. I love having a “normal,” healthy life, but there’s a consequence to that philosophy and that is difficulty communicating openly with those I care for and love. But this trial has shone light on the things I already knew and has helped me appreciate them more: Randy, my husband of 20 years, is my rock. My children [daughter Erin pictured with me, left], family and friends have created a support group around me that is irreplaceable. My faith is a stronger cornerstone than ever.
Nonetheless, the gravity of going from big-busted happiness to facing a double-mastectomy in October cannot be understated and I found myself continually asking how I could let six years pass by. It wasn’t guilt that plagued me; it was just wondering how I could be so lackadaisical about the well-being of my body.
From left to right: Dezireé Lumachi, former Long Beach Post publisher; Shaun Lumachi, former Long Beach Post publisher; Randy Allen; Cindy Allen, current publisher of the Long Beach Post.
However, as I said, many women do it. Too many. I know we are all busy—jobs, parenting, being a wife, owning a business, whatever it is that you do—but when it comes to health, there is no excuse.
According to MemorialCare, men and women should be getting regular checkups with their doctors in regard to cancer, ranging from breast and ovarian cancer to skin and prostate cancer. Doesn’t run in your family? Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t feel important? Don’t fool yourself.
I feel that Memorial’s fight against cancer is something that should be heralded—and that is precisely why I will be participating in the breast/ovarian cancer walk this Saturday, September 27, in Long Beach, and would like to invite you to join either the walk or my team, Team Cindy Allen. The walk benefits the Long Beach Memorial Cancer Institute, one of the premiere medical facilities addressing cancer. As a trustee of Long Beach Memorial and a supporter of the foundation, I am appreciative of all the help and support that they offer for women like myself facing cancer.
I will be walking in the Spirit Walk and would love for you to join my team. There’s a $60 day-of entry fee to join a team, or there is also the option of donating directly to the cause by clicking here.
“There is much to do in cancer risk and preventative programs, support and counseling to patients, survivors and loved ones, as well as the necessary care and clinical support for breast and ovarian cancer patients,” said Dr. Homayoon Sanati, Medical Director of MemoricalCare’s Breast Center. “We have a unique opportunity to lift the spirits of those in need, give them the best medical care available and make a long-term genuine impact for patients, survivors and their families if we align our values and come together as community leaders in support of these critical programs.”
Beyond the walk and the fundraisers, the essential research that is so deeply needed and the volunteer hours, there is truly one hope that stands above all: I hope that my admission and recounting of my darkest hour will remind you to get screened, or that you may remind your loved ones. Early detection is not only encouraged, but vital.