Breast Cancer Survivor
Lisa
M.
California
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on September 12, 2008 and I found the lump myself; I was putting on a bathing suit while I was on vacation. I was adjusting my bathing suit straps and I kept feeling a bump on my skin. I know it sounds odd, but I knew right then and there that I had breast cancer.
I came home and saw my doctor the very next day. She got me scheduled for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound within 2 days. Things were clearly “suspicious” as it was recommended that I get a biopsy done ASAP. I cried and cried and refused to leave. Luckily, a doctor was found and my biopsy was done that same day (I couldn’t take any pain pills as I had to drive myself home!)
Within 2 days, it was confirmed. I had breast cancer. I was shocked but I was not going to die. I was going to fight with every ounce of my being. The following week I met with my breast surgeon and scheduled surgery for the following week. It went well, but we didn’t get clear margins. In the meantime, I learned that my lump was bigger than expected (6 cm) and that it had gone to my lymph nodes. Stage 3 breast cancer and my doctor warned me that my breast was going to be severely deformed. Surprisingly, I wasn’t upset when I heard this. I can live without these breasts. I've used them. I’ve nursed my babies. The new ones will be perky, I will look great and won't have to wear a bra! I was ready to be aggressive. So, I went with my gut and went back for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (DIEP). It was a long surgery (12 hours) but I’m so glad that I did it. I also had a PET/CT scan and found that luckily, my cancer was isolated and had not spread elsewhere in my body. My next step in treatment was chemo and radiation and shortly thereafter, I did another PET/CT and there was NO EVIDENCE of CANCER!
It’s so important to partner with your doctor and find out which route of surgery and treatment is best for you. I fought like a girl and kicked cancer’s butt! You can too, not only for your friends and family but for you!
Comments
You are amazing! You have the
You are amazing! You have the type of strength I need. You are amazing...simply amazing!
God Bless
Baylee
Breast Cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 but it was because I didn't listen to the doctors but became my own advocate.I would like to share this with every woman out there.
I went for my routine Mamogram. Everything was fine. I asked for an MRI of my breasts since I was high risk(my mother, her 2 sisters & my fathers sister)
They told me I don't need it for 2 years. I said I don't care if I don't need it I want it.
They put in for it & it was denied by my insurance.
I went to a breast surgeon since I had LCIS in one of my breasts(LCIS means I have something brewing in my milk duct but its not cancer yet)I told her about the MRI that was denied. She put in for it & within 24 hours I got approval.
Then I got the dreaded phone call from the MRI place saying it looks like I have breast cancer & to come in for a sonogram which confirmed it. It was stage one which I was told was the best type of breast cancer to have.
What would have happened if I listened to the doctors at the mamogram place?
I am glad I stuck to my guns & became my own doctor.Always listen to what you believe in. Doctors are not GODS they are people & can make mistakes!!!!!
Lisa DID fight like a girl!
And that's why she won, too! GOOOOOOOOOO, Lisa! With your strength, determination and intelligence - cancer didn't have a chance.
Love you,
- Melanie