I put off getting my first mammogram for seven years because I felt fine and breast cancer didn't run in my family. Then, at 47, the appointment I kept avoiding found my cancer. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I'm finally telling the whole story, my diagnosis, the treatment decisions I made, my military burn-pit exposure, the Marine whose advocacy changed screening access for other women veterans, and why I will never again assume that no family history means no risk. If there's an appointment you've been putting off, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• (00:00) Why I'm finally telling my breast cancer story—and the mammogram I put off for seven years
• (03:17) My first mammogram at 47, having no symptoms, and finding out it was cancer
• (05:38) The treatment options I was given and how I made my personal decisions
• (09:28) My Iraq burn-pit exposure and the connection made through my VA claim
• (10:40) Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas and the fight that changed breast cancer screening access for women veterans
• (12:46) No family history doesn't mean no risk—and why early detection matters

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