Sister Survivor Spotlight: Miranda Mantello | Trusting Her Body and Finding Her Voice

Miranda Mantello’s Story

My first issues with my breasts started when I was 17.

I had gone to specialists and was told I was “xyz” or I wasn’t “xyz,” so I was “fine.” I was a kid, so I just accepted it and kept it moving.

The issues persisted, but the doctors said I was fine, so I continued moving along. Every few years, I would ask to be checked because things were becoming unbearable, but still, I was told I was fine.

Fast forward to age 32. I had finally had enough of the daily struggles and happened upon my new doctor. She asked me what two things I wanted to focus on with her being my new primary care physician. I told her my breasts and my weight. We didn’t even get to my weight. The entire appointment was spent examining my breasts. She wanted to recreate the issues I had been experiencing, and she was successful. It hurt, but it was necessary.

Within a day, I got a call to schedule a mammogram because, now that I was over 30, an ultrasound alone would not be enough. Before the results even hit MyChart, I received a message that my consultation with a breast surgeon had been scheduled.

In my head, I expected it to be routine.

When I met with the breast surgeon, she honestly and gently told me:

“I’m pretty sure I know what it is, and if I’m wrong, I’ll see you next year. If I’m right, I’ll see you next week. But most likely, I’ll be seeing you next week. Regardless, everything will be okay.”

I trusted her so much after those words.I clung to them. I believed her because, as scary as it was, I was finally being heard.

I was terrified, but unfortunately, I had known for a while. I had found my own lump behind my left nipple. That was what finally pushed me over the edge to keep going until I found a doctor who listened.

And I found the right one. I credit her and the whole team with helping to save my life.

Learning to Trust Myself Again

I waited a few weeks before I trusted myself enough to get help.

I had been let down and dismissed for so long that I had started telling myself I was fine, too.

That is why I try so hard to remind people to get to know their breasts.

Know how they normally feel. Know how they look. Pay attention if they leak. Pay attention if your nipples begin to invert. Pay attention when something changes.

I was ignored until I finally stood up and trusted myself.

I don’t know what would have happened if I had waited eight more years until I was 40, but I’m thankful I didn’t let that happen.

Trust yourself. Fight for yourself. And most of all, LOVE yourself.

It took me too long to get to the loving-myself stage, but I’m so thankful I got here.

Much love—and check ya titties! 🩷💪🏽

— Miranda Mantello