Judy Blume Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
Judy Blume revealed her battle with breast cancer on Wednesday in a blog post titled "!@#$% Happens."
The 74-year-old author of many popular young adult books - including "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" - received the diagnosis in early June.
"A visit to the radiologist on June 12 for a routine ultrasound (dense breast tissue) led to a core biopsy." The results showed the presence of invasive ductal carcinoma.
Blume wrote about trying to process the news:
"Wait - me? There’s no breast cancer in my family (recent extensive genetic testing shows no genetic connection). I haven’t eaten red meat in more than 30 years. I’ve never smoked, I exercise every day, forget alcohol - it’s bad for my reflux - I’ve been the same weight my whole adult life. How is this possible? Well, guess what - it’s possible."
Blume underwent a mastectomy at the end of July and she is now recovering in New York with her husband, George Cooper. She reported that the doctors caught the cancer very early and that it is "Very small [and] Well differentiated. All good news."
In the same post, she also revealed that she underwent a hysterectomy 17 years prior following a diagnosis with cervical cancer.
Blume ended her post with a touching message of encouragement and hope:
"My friends who've had breast cancer have been so helpful and supportive I can never thank them enough. They got me through this. They were my inspiration.... When it comes to breast cancer you’re not alone, and scary though it is, there’s a network of amazing women to help you through it."
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