Know the Signs of Breast Cancer
- Kate Grainger, 31, was diagnosed with grade three triple-negative breast cancer at 37 weeks pregnant.
- She first noticed a red tint to her colostrum, which is the first milk produced by the body during pregnancy, but she initially wasn’t concerned.
- Breast cancer symptoms can appear similar to those of other conditions new moms face, so it’s important to address any changes to your health with a doctor.
- Signs and symptoms of breast cancer can include a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue; a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; changes to the skin over the breast such as dimpling; redness or pitting of the skin over your breast like the skin of an orange; and nipple discharge other than breast milk.
Grainger, 31, was only weeks away from giving birth when her colostrum the first milk your body produces during pregnancy came through and looked strange. It was a reddish pink color. Colostrum is typically a deep yellow or orange-ish color, almost like an egg yolk, but can also appear milky or creamy white, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s sometimes referred to as “liquid gold,” because of the color and the fact that it’s packed full of nutrients.
Read More"Nothing they could say would reassure me that it was okay," she said. "It was just pure fear, pure terror and shock and horror."
Treatment Sequence for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
After further testing, Grainer was diagnosed with grade three triple-negative breast cancer at 37 weeks pregnant. The triple-negative designation meant her cancer cells didn't have estrogen or progesterone receptors, and also didn't make any or too much of the protein called HER2. Her grade three designation meant she had a faster-growing cancer that was more likely to spread.
"When she told us it was cancer, it just felt like a terrible episode of ‘Grey's Anatomy’ because it's just so rare to have a breast cancer in pregnancy," she said.
Given her diagnosis, Grainger had a C-section the following day. But bringing her third child into the world turned out to be a success and “the most beautiful experience.”
"It was my third caesarean and by far the best,” she said. "It felt like my body had gone to the stars and back it was just euphoric."
Chemo for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
In the week after baby Heath’s delivery, the mother of three underwent more testing that showed her cancer was contained to her breast and one lymph node. So, Grainger began her first chemotherapy session just nine days after giving birth. After finishing her chemo sessions, she’ll have surgery, radiation and potentially more chemotherapy.
"Cancer, chemo, newborn and two toddlers and being away from home," she said. "It's such a horrible thing to go through.
"But there is just kindness wherever we turn. People are just incredible."
Part of that kindness has come in the form of donations for the family’s GoFundMe page.
"Knowing that the GoFundMe is there is incredible, and it could potentially save my life," Grainger said. “We're just so lucky that we do have so much support and we're just really, really blessed.
"I'm currently living most people's worst nightmare, so, I think everyone just wants to help… And it's just so wonderful."
Know the Signs of Breast Cancer
Kate Grainger’s breast cancer diagnosis was preceded by a reddish-pink tint to her colostrum. To understand this phenomenon, let’s first take a look at what the colostrum is.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, colostrum is the first milk your body produces during pregnancy and plays an important role in building your baby’s immune system. It is a nutrient-rich first milk produced during pregnancy that changes to transitional breast milk a few days after your baby is born. Colostrum is often called “liquid gold” because of its rich, golden color and valuable benefits.
Many factors can affect the color of breast milk, but International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Wendy Wisner previously told HuffPost that reddish or pinkish breast milk can be cause for concern in rare cases.
"If you are seeing blood frequently and can't figure out a cause, you should see your health care provider, because rarely, blood in the milk can be a sign of breast cancer," Wisner said.
And the American Cancer Society that discharge from the nipple that is other than breast milk can be a sign of breast cancer.
Overall, breast cancer symptoms can appear similar to other conditions new moms face. So, it’s important to make sure you're addressing any concerning changes to your health just like Kate Grainger did.
Getting to Know Your Breasts with Self-Exams
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
- Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
- A newly inverted nipple
- Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
- Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
It's important to keep an eye out for these signs while remembering that having one or many of them does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. No matter what, always bring up any symptoms with a doctor, and feel free to seek another opinion if you feel like your concerns were dismissed.
Additionally, remember to prioritize recommended breast cancer screening efforts. Screening for breast cancer is typically done via mammogram, which looks for lumps in the breast tissue and signs of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), women should begin yearly mammogram screening for this disease at age 45 if they are at average risk for breast cancer. The organization also says those aged 40-44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram every year, and women age 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year or choose to continue yearly mammograms.
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