Breast Cancer Survivor
Rebecca
T.
South Carolina
I received the terrifying news that I had breast cancer on January 3, 2011. I had forgotten my yearly mammogram the previous year due to going through a divorce. I wasn't concerned though as my previous mammograms were clear. I was in a state of shock and disbelief. Everything began to happen so quickly that I felt I was being dragged down a long, dark ally...a place where I was terrified and didn't want to be!! How could I go from clear to three quadrants of a breast with not one or two, but three DIFFERENT cancers??? When I read the pathology report and saw the word 'bizzare', I had to take a deep breath and think, wow! that was inside me! My group of Doctors considered sending my case to the New England Journal of Medicine because of it's rarity. The cancer was difuse throughout the breast, so I was not a candidate for lumpectomy. My only choice was mastectomy with lymph node disection and biopsy. I lost a total of 21 lymph nodes. However, thankfully, only two nodes came back positive.
The surgery left my right chest and upper right arm profoundly numb. I will be at risk for lymphedema for the rest of my life. At the present, I have completed five out of six chemo treatments. My breast cancer is estrogen and progesterone positive as well as HER2 positive. I am taking taxotere and cytoxan as well as Herceptin every three weeks. I will continue the Herceptin until March of next year. I am currently getting very excited about ringing that bell that indicates to everyone around that I have successfully completed my course of chemotherapy. It will be a very emotional day for me. I am already gearing up for reconstruction surgery hopefully later this year. I never would have guessed that I would ever have breast cancer. My Doctor didn't feel anything on examination when I went for my physical. I had never heard of DCIS (ductal cancer in situ) and didn't know that it shows up as calcifications that look like tiny stars. I encourage women of all ages to get a yearly mammogram and to let nothing stop you. This is one test that can't be missed. I never knew that breast cancer was so prevelent!
One out of eight women will be diagnosed with this cancer. I look forward to the day when I can be an encouragement to someone having to go through this journey. I would tell those women that yes, it's scary and yes, it is life changing. Yet, it's do able!! You can get through this and realize just how strong you are not only as a woman, but as a person. Life's difficulties will no longer seem as difficult. I will survive to see my boys become men! Right now, that's all that matters!!!
Comments
I also skipped a mammo and
I also skipped a mammo and then when I went in finally, ended up needing a biopsy. I was very, very lucky, and it was negative. I do think I finally learned my lesson to NEVER skip one. For me, it was insurance and job loss issues, but I've since learned of programs that will pay for it, one even at the center I already go to. So I will never do that again. I'm glad you are doing well.
HELLO...Your story and mine
HELLO...Your story and mine are similar. I was diagnosed a month after you this year. Completed 4th Chemo treatment yesterday ( treatment 3 and 4 had to be done in 2 sessions because of blood count ). I did however have the option of a lumpectomy, but 6 out of 14 lymph nodes were positive. Your story has helped me deal today with some emotions that i have been feeling, considering that I had a GREAT day yesterday at treatment. I'm glad I came to this website and found you. MANY THANKS !!!
Breast Cancer
Hi Rebecca, I am happy to know that you are doing well. Most of all I am extremely happy to know that you survive this nasty disease, and you will absolutely be there for your boys. Today July 17th, my 41st birthday. Last week July 7th I had surgery for breast cancer. June 16th I was diagnosed with Invasive poorly differentiated ductal carcinoma. I consider myself very fortunate, I felt a lump in my right breast, went in for routine check up, two days later I was told. Even though I consider myself lucky, I am bitter, extremely hard to accept. Reading story like yours makes me think differently, I know I have to be strong to follow through with all my treatments. I have to be strong for my children. My daughter is 7, and my boy is 5. Rebecca I was having a horrible depressing day. Reading your story pull me out of my gloomy misery. Next week my treatment continues, radiation follow by chemo. I will be somewhat lying if I say, I am not scare, I am very well prepared but one can never be fully prepared for this unexpected disease.
Sincerely Nazeema
Cancer Survivor
I was treated for breast cancer one year ago. It had been eight months since my last mammogram. I was examined and had a mammo and sonogram. Both came back negative but I continued to complain about pain. A biopsy was done and yes indeed I had cancer. Listen to your bodies ladies. They say cancer doesn't cause but in my case it did. Pursue your gut feelings. Today (so far) I am cancer free.
Go Rebecca!! When I heard my
Go Rebecca!!
When I heard my diagnosis I thought " my boys are too young to go through this". I was too young to go through it ( 36 yrs old) but that was six years ago! My husband left us just after I had my surgery when I still had radiation and a second prescribed chemo (that lasted six months) to endure. I told my oncologist " I'm not gonna let anyone else raise my kids."
It sounds to me like you have the right attitude, Rebecca. That makes all the difference!
You will defeat this!!
I learned, finally, to get strength from the love and support of my women friends; also survivors and women going through treatment that had positive outlooks on the future helped me immeasurably. If you have a faith, now is the time to delve into that also.
Good Luck to you, Rebecca. More than that: May you be healed and your boys grow in love to be excellent men.
Best Regards,
Maia J.
You are the star
Your breast cancer stars made you the star and guide for women everywhere. Keep telling your story. Your are our strength, courage and guide. Thanks for sharing.
Diane Fator