Judy Blume treated for breast cancer

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NEW YORK, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- American novelist Judy Blume says she underwent treatment for breast cancer this summer.

The 74-year-old author of "Tiger Eyes," "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing," "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret," "Deenie" and "It's Not The End of the World" revealed on her blog Wednesday she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, after a routine ultrasound for dense breast tissue in June.

"It was good that I wasn't alone and that she, who has been my doctor for 17 years, could explain it to me," Blume wrote on her blog of learning her diagnosis. "Very early. Very small. Well differentiated. All good news. But it was invasive ductal carcinoma. 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 said she underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction six weeks after she was diagnosed, and is recovering at home in New York.

"My friends who've had breast cancer have been so helpful and supportive I can never thank them enough," Blume wrote. "They got me through this. They were my inspiration. If we can do it, you can do it! They were right. And I got off easy. I don't need chemo which is a whole other ballgame. (I'm considering taking a daily med but haven't yet made up my mind.) Also, I'm older, which is very different from being diagnosed when you're young. Now it's one month post surgery -- I'm still in New York and feeling stronger every day, walking a couple of miles in the park each morning and going out to early dinners with (my husband) George. Have seen movies and a couple of plays, as you know if you follow me on Twitter. I'm able to read again without falling asleep. Which doesn't mean I don't need a nap every day. I'm not working on my book yet (have just been given permission to type an hour at a time with arm exercises in between) but I'm thinking about getting back to it after Labor Day, kind of like starting school."