June 2nd, 2009, was an unforgettable day for Kristen Berset.
"I was just so overwhelmed with information," she said.
The former beauty queen (she was crowned Miss Florida USA in 2004) was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was just 27 years old.
"You Have Breast Cancer"
Berset's diagnosis was not only unexpected, but shocking. She said she found a lump in her left breast the previous year, but doctors told her it was just a cyst. When she went to have the cyst removed, her new doctor decided to perform a biopsy of the lump and a lymph node.
"Even then, I didn't expect the doctor to tell me I had cancer. It was definitely a tough day, so much information and so many emotions came rushing in at once," Berset said. "But I quickly realized that there was no reason to wallow in self pity, so from that point forward I have tried to stay positive and live my life as I normally would."
Emotional Decision
Berset, who is now 28 and working as a sports anchor for the Fox affiliate in Baltimore, said she wasn't sad she had cancer.
"I knew I would beat it and come out stronger on the other side," she said.
Still, she had a big decision lingering over her about what surgery to have. She decided to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction; a procedure which would dramatically reduce the chance of the cancer recurring.
"It was the best decision," said Berset. "I bounced back rather quickly. In fact, I was back to work 10 days after my surgery."
Berset didn't have to undergo chemotherapy as originally planned. Doctors said her test results indicated that her chance of recurrence was low enough to just seek hormonal treatment.
She recently had her final reconstructive surgery, and believe it or not, she said she feels almost back to normal.
"I'll have a few more minor procedures over the course of the year but that's nothing new to me. At least I have my life!"
Life-Changing Lessons
Berset's breast cancer diagnosis has put things in perspective, and now she said her life feels that much sweeter.
"This experience has been life changing in a positive way. I learned a lot about myself. I am a stronger person than I realized, and the love of my friends and family was so overwhelming. A couple of months ago, something inside me clicked. I realized I am still alive and healthy again, I have an amazing job that I truly enjoy and live in a great city. Once I realized all of that it's like I had a renewed energy. I look forward to going to work. I appreciate the time spent with my friends and family and try as many new experiences as I can. It's like I have a new lease on life!"
Message to Other Women
Kristen urges all of us to be aware, but not worry.
"My message to women is don't think it can't happen to you! But if it does, be assured there is amazing health care and new medicine out there that can help you fight this disease. Let your friends and family help you. It's amazing what their support and love can do for your health.
Also, please remember to do your self breast exams--those are key to saving your life."
Importance of Self Breast Exams
For Berset, (and any doctor you ask) this is a no-brainer. It's free. It's easy. And it could mean the difference between life and death.
"Self breast exams can save save your life, especially among young women," said Berset. "Usually by the time a 20 or-30-year-old woman finds a lump it has grown to Stage 2 or 3. I found mine during a self breast exam and luckily I was still Stage 1, and it had not spread to my lymph nodes. It was the best diagnosis I could have gotten, but I still had a long road ahead."
Life After Cancer
She's back to work covering the sports scene in Baltimore, and like many athletes she reports on who return to their sport after surgery, Berset said she feels grateful to be back in the game.
"The hardest part (about having breast cancer and multiple surgeries) was having to slow down. I am a very active person, especially when it comes to sports and exercise. So after my initial surgery, I had to stop all of that and live a rather sedentary lifestyle. But I knew it wouldn't be for long. I am doing great now. I am active again and enjoying life!"
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam
Doctors say women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast changes to a health professional as soon as they are found.
Did You Know?
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 192,370 women will be diagnosed with and 40,170 women will die of breast cancer in 2009 alone.
Don't be part of the statistics. Perform a breast self-exam and/or visit your doctor today!
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