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Nothing to worry about....right?

Biopsy Time – There’s nothing to be worried about… Right?
Alis volat propriis
She flies with her own wings!

In the Ultrasound room again and my Boob’s Mug Shot is on the screen already!

And so it begins, a Female Doctor introduced herself (I have no recollection of a single persons name except warm, motherly Maureen at the beginning of all this, and I’m not even sure that is her name now) Another Nurse to the left of me asks me to raise my left arm, I’m kind of on my side and she preps my Breast with Iodine!

“Small Pinch” – Has anyone ever checked Grey’s Anatomy or any Medical book in existance for that to be a technical term during a medical procedure?
Capiatur (Capr.) - Let it be taken.

The Doctor described what she was going to do, but I don’t remember her words… She used a Core Needle to take tissue samples, I felt tugging and the area was numb. It’s a strange sensation and maybe Breast Density makes the procedure different for others. I winced a couple of times when it felt like crunching!
I didn’t cry!

She told me she had left a couple of metal clips inside my breast to mark where the ‘Areas of suspicion’ were! Suspicion, my breast was becoming a criminal, it was secretly out to get me, except not behind my back… Right there, up front!

I looked down at the Two Pink Angel Wing tattoo’s on my hands while Todd drove, I had just got them done in England with Stephanie! We’d talked about having matching Tattoo’s for years and impulsively just walked into a Tattoo shop in Havant and chose Angel Wings! Having them use Pink Ink was my idea, but I don’t know where it came from and I absolutely had never seen the Breast Cancer ‘Wings of Courage’ symbol before!

Breast Cancer had never been in my life, or to my knowledge my family! – I knew really little about it! Practically nothing good anyway!

Brigitte Baxter Steiz
Milford, CT

My nephew saved my life

I was 47 last year and was due for my annual mammogram but had put it off. My sister asked me to babysit my 3 year old nephew for 2 weeks, I was tired, but told her I would. He is a big boy and I pulled a muscle under my breast swinging him in the park. 2 weeks later, it was still hurting so I was in the shower and the muscle was still hurting. I raised my arm really, really high to feel the muscle, and there, almost touching my rib cage, was a knot. It felt like a dry pinto bean. It was extremely deep. The Next day I had a mammogram, biopsy and diagnosed with stage 1, HER2 + cancer. After a lumpectomy, 20 rounds of chemo and 36 radiations, I am now on the road to recovery because of my sweet nephew. God was in this the whole time, because my sister had tried to have children 14 years, and finally he came along. If I had not pulled the muscle, and it inflamed the tumor, who knows where I would be? I thank God for him everyday! I put my journey on Facebook and my aunt had not had a mammogram in 10 years, but because she kept up with me she went, and had breast cancer too! So hopefully I helped save a life, after my nephew saved mine. I am a Blessed woman!

Rhonda Steed
Cave Spring, GA

Never for one second thought why me, it was why now at 40?

Last Friday I had my last surgery (keep fingers crossed) due to breast cancer. February 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage 2, invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative. Oh and also BRCA 1 positive. After 16 rounds of chemo, a bilateral mastectomy with expanders in July, I was so happy to find out that the pathology came back 100% cancer free. Then last week the swap exchange for implants and a preventative full hysterectomy. I'm so happy to have this all finished by the end of the year so that we can start 2014 clean. I have learned so much through this experience, so much about myself, others, and the desire to truly live.
I got through these last 10 months by the grace of God. I have been asked over and over how I did all this while also caring for a 2 and 3 year old and I say "they are the reason I got through this".

Tanyis
Portland, OR

CANCER at 30??!!??

While at the beach in July I noticed my left breast looked larger and swollen and was painful. I had recently been layed off and lost my insurance. After persuasion from my husband I made an appointment even though I didn't have insurance. August 6th I was told it was probably nothing because cancer isnt painful but should get a mammogram. I got a mammogram and ultrasound that same day and was asked to come back next day for a biopsy. On August 8th I got the phone call telling me I have stage 3 aggressive Breast Cancer! I didn't really know what that meant or what to do but I was quickly sent to an oncologist and learned a lot in a short time. I have now had 13 chemo treatments with 3 to go and am scheduled for a double mastectomy on Feb. 17th. Following that I will have 35 radiation treatments and then a hysterectomy because of family history! At age 30 I encourage everyone with a family history to ask for a mammogram before the required age!!! Don't wait!! And if you notice anything different...even pains go to your doctor!! Some breast cancers are painful! Prayers and blessings to anyone battling this disease!!

DeeDee Simpson
Covington, VA

My Final Chemo is Here

I thought this day would never arrive.. After 6 months it is finally here but a journey that began in May 2013. It was Saturday morning and I went about my business plucking my eyebrows. I came to bring down my right arm but it didn't come down as normal, there's an obstruction, A lump under my armpit. All weekend I kept checking it hoping it was gone but it wasn't, so Monday, I went straight to my doctor. At first, she thought it was a skin infection my right breast was swollen, firm and a pinkish color. She started me on antibiotics, but within a couple days no results. I was sent for a mammogram & ultrasound and those results determined I needed a biopsy.

On May 23, 2013, while @ work I got the phone call I wasn't expecting; My results were positive for breast cancer on the right breast and lymph nodes. Six days later I was getting my first chemo. Thinking since I had breastfed my 3 sons I would have a better chance in not getting BC but I was wrong. No history in my family of BC so I thought that was a good thing for me too, but I was wrong. No matter if you are rich or poor, religious or not, Nobody is immune. But God and his son and having positive faith can give you the endurance you need to fight it through. Positive thinking goes a long ways.

On August 16, 2013 I had my double mastectomy and removed 16 lymph nodes and after my recovery I returned for my last 4 rounds of chemo. Chemo does take a big toll on the body & mind.
I am now in remission, but I have to say that I'm appreciative of my husband & 3 sons for all their support/patience/love/attention during this time. Also, my many friends were a great support with their positive words, hospitality, delicious goodies. I thank Jehovah for sending them to me and my family. Now it's time to heal and prepare for Reconstructive procedures.

Ana
Norwalk, CA

My Jouney has started

On October 29, 2013, I went in for routine mammo, I had a mass that had tested benign 1 year ago. Well this time that same tumor came back different in size,shape and density. The biopsy reveled it was now cancer. How does a benign tumor turn malignant? The Dr. said they must have missed the malignant cells. Anyway after a lumpectomy, I am ER+, lymph node -, Her2+. I was scheduled to start Radiation Jan 6th. My Dr. called with my oncotyp test results. Anything under 17 is low risk. between 18 and 30, it is unclear whether chemotherapy is necessary, and whether hormonal therapy & radiation alone may be sufficient. Well my score was a 20. That is when the Cancer hit home hard. My Dr suggested that I have chemo. (TC chemo). She said with my age 51. The oncotype test is in the grey, it would be the best choice, She said it would be my choice. I will go thru 12 weeks chemo, 6-7 courses of radiation ( I may have discoid lupus) Dr. is aware and will have to monitor the skin very close. And 5-10 years of hormone therapy.Can someone shed some lite on the oncotype score of 20.HELP, what should I do. I want to be here to see my children & see grandchildren. Thank you Kim Ann

Kim Ann
palmyra, WI

Surviving Triple negative Breast Cancer

2nd year fighting Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
I had double masecatamy,16 rounds chemo,33 radiation last year.
But is showed up on my spine. 6 more rounds of chemo and 16 radiation.
Go in for check up 12/19/13
I am feeling good! thankful for all the support and love form family and friends.
fingers crossed we have stopped it in its tracks!
Love To All !! Keep up the good fight and God Bless You ! :)

Melinda McCulloch
Waxahachie, TX

Never Assume

My story of breast cancer is one of so many stories but, I care to share in hopes it will keep anyone from assuming. My journey started with a removal of a Papilloma in my left breast at age 44. Having a family history of breast cancer. My grandmother at 46 and aunt at 46 it was always in the back of my mind.

During a self exam at age 46 I found another lump. Same breast same feeling as the papilloma. They believed this time it was a cyst and treated me with antibiotics. My grandmother also at age 46 had he first lump come back benign. And when it reappeared she never had it check out. She assumed it was benign. And that is what cost her life.

July 3rd 2013 I received my news of breast cancer after I made the decision to not assume this second lump was just a return of the first benign tissue.
August 1, 2013 I had a double mastectomy. Because of early detection and never assuming I'm proud to say it saved my life-

Tracy Zettelmeier
Mukwonago, WI

Not my first or last time on the cancer rodeo...because I keep beating the ODDS!!

I wanted to share my story, particularly for everyone that ever gotten a diagnosis of cancer. It's scary. It changes your life. Cancer is the word when you first hear it that little voice in your head says "Your going to die". Well, I'm hear to tell you, I have had FIVE very aggressive cancers, one starting at 18 years of age, to currently fighting skin cancer's that have seemingly seemed to multiply this past year.

I started this cancer journey in 1975, six months away from graduating high school, when a shadow (tumor) was noticed by a radiologist for my chest pre-op for a tonsillectomy. After numerous tests, too many blood pokes and a biopsy it was determined I had Hodgkin's Lymphoma. 8 weeks of daily radiation treatments, constant blood draws, and hair falling out too quickly...I finished that treatment and graduated with my high school class of 1976. I was considered "cured". Years went by (I managed to have a baby boy that no medical professional thought I would be able to conceive-miracle!), until my 30's when I had trouble swallowing. Next diagnosis? Thyroid Cancer. Surgery (thyroidectomy) took care of most of the issues, as well as a new life long drug I would have to take called Synthroid. Years went by, until I turned 46 and while showering felt a hard pebble in my left breast. Know that gut feeling you have when you just know something is terribly wrong?

Stage II, 2.5 cm tumor in left breast, with DCIS AND DCIS comedo in right breast. Both breasts. Bi-lateral mastectomies. Given a 50/50 chance of making it 5 years.

Guess what? Here I am!!! NINE years after diagnosis!

Cancer may have muddled my life, caused some distractions, lots of heartache, BUT it does not define me!!

Lorie
Canton, MI

3D saved my life

I lost a friend and mentor of mine to breast cancer and have been vigilant about getting my mammograms every since. I was 45 years old and four months late for my yearly mammogram this year. When I made my appointment, the receptionist said they offered 3D mammograms but it would be $50 out of pocket since insurance didn't cover it yet. With my dense breast tissue, I decided to do it. Little did I know it would be the best $50 I EVER spent.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind. March 14, 2013 was my initial mammogram. March 28th I went back for additional 3D views and an ultrasound. The radiologist was very suspicious of two areas in my right breast. April 1st was my MRI. April 2nd was a double needle biopsy. April 4th was my breast cancer diagnosis. On April 26th, I had a nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. No known family history and my BRCA was negative.

Two of the five tumors they removed were sent to California for Oncotype DX testing and it was found that the side effects of chemotherapy would not outweigh the benefits. My cancer was ER and PR positive and HER2 negative. I was put on Tamoxifen for 10 years (or until I hit menopause). I also get a Zoladex implant to stop my periods every month for two years reducing the hormones in my body. A study in Germany shows this is just as effective as chemo for my type of cancer. No chemo, no radiation. SO lucky...

I am a poster child for early detection. I have been very open about my diagnosis as well as urging my friends and family to get their mammograms and encourage everyone they know to do the same. I know of several women that have found issues that needed to be addressed. One woman actually had the same diagnosis and surgery I did.

I am not shy about my story and am more than willing to share it with everyone that asks. Being proactive has saved my life.

Judy Nault
West Palm Beach, FL