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Lived through two bouts of BC

In 1991 I was 45 and my mammogram was due and my GYN suggested I have that before my hysterectomy so I made an appointment at a new center as my old center had been closed. One week before my surgery I was called by the imaging center asking me where I had my last pictures as they wanted to check something on the pictures but not to worry so I went on with my surgery. A month later they sent me a letter saying I need some more pictures They spotted a potential tumor that I needed to have it biopsied - in 1991 biopsy was surgery. I had that on December 6, 1991 and was told I was clear but on a later slide there was cancer. I did a lumpectomy on December 18 and followed with radiation. There followed many mammograms and a couple of needle biopsies.

In 2008 as I made my mammogram appointment I had a feeling that again I would face Cancer and so I was not surprised when I was told I needed to have another biopsy. When the doctor did the needle biopsy I told him that it would come back positive and I was right although he removed all the tumor in the biopsy. On October 6, 2008 I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction begun on the table. What we did not know was there was a tumor that did not show up on the mammogram and it had invaded so it was back to surgery to have lump nodes removed. The OncotypeDX test showed that I got to choose if I wanted to do chemo or hormone treatment. I chose hormones treatment and I am still on them for three more years.

I am so thankful for my family and for my church family who continue to support me as I finish this period in my life. My faith has held me up through all of this and I wish all patients had the super doctors I had and a deep faith that would carry them through this illness!

Linda
Amarillo, TX

cancer

I went in for a yearly mammography, they found a tiny spot, Dr. said it was probably nothing. They did a needle biopsy, then they said to have a lumpectomy, after that they said it was cancer and would have to undergo radiation and kemo. I decided not to go that way and had my left breast removed. no lymph nodes were involved and I am now cancer free.

Anonymous
Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Breast Cancer at 24

I had a lump. In my right breast. But I was only 24 years old, it couldn't be anything of concern right? Wrong. In April 2014 I got a physical and mentioned this lump, I then had an ultrasound at a Breast Center after my doctor advised me to do so, then they wanted to do a biopsy. Throughout these 3 appointments, I was never very worried. On April 22nd, 2014, or about 6 months ago from today I got a call that changed my life. To hear you have breast cancer is to have your stomach drop, your heart stop, and tears fill your eyes. I never thought this would happen to me, but it did and cancer of any type will continue to happen to any of us, everyday unfortunately. So be aware, get checked, make sure your family looks out for it because I hope that we all can prevent any further burden from cancer through early detection. My life has changed in immeasurable ways since that day. I've continued working full time as a Graphic Designer throughout 4 doses of AC, and 12 of Taxotere. I had a bilateral mastectomy during which I took 3 weeks off from work. I'm healing well, I'm in complete remission, and I could not be in more awe of life. I won't lie, I have hard days every week, I feel down from the drugs, drained from treatment, work, social activities. But I don't plan on stopping. This is my life. And my life isn't cancer. It changed my perspective, I want to help more people, I want to fulfill my full purpose and share new perspectives. I want to inspire anyone that's had cancer in their life, or may in the future. It doesn't have to stop you from living, in fact it can make the time you have left here on earth that much better. There are no guarantees, but facing something that was once your greatest fear and conquering it truly makes all cancer survivors a warrior. So fight on and believe in you. Every day.

Chelsea Cliff
Edina, MN

An angel watching over me.

I lost my 44 year old sister in 1999 from stomach cancer and so I dreaded turning 44. When my birthday rolled around in January 2013 I felt scared, not knowing why but I had a feeling something bad was going to happen. Looking back I feel my angel sister was trying to tell me something and that was, "get a mammogram", as I had never had one. Soon after, I heard my 45 year old cousin had been diagnosed with breast cancer but still I did not listen to the voice in my head .

In May of 2013 my brother's 33 year old daughter was also diagnosed with breast cancer. The urgent feelings I had saying "get a mammogram" got stronger. Finally in June I went to my doctor who set me up with my first ever mammogram. I was told something didn't look right so I was scheduled for an ultrasound. I didn't know at the time that the tech hadn't found the cancer but a separate cyst. The nurse called saying the ultrasound said it was benign and to come back in a year. I am usually not one to say anything, but that feeling of something wrong was so very sharp, I told the nurse I was not satisfied with the results and with my family history of breast cancer I wanted additional testing. Soon after I had an additional mammogram and then a biopsy.
On July 19, 2013 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I was lucky as it was stage one and only 1.4 cm. I had a lumpectomy and internal radiation in August 2013 and didn't need chemo.

Even though I was diagnosed and treated those strong feelings of dread continued,so I continuously insisted my two sisters get mammograms. . My oldest sister was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma on the day I was done with radiation. Her cancer was the same exact size and location as mine, so she was also very lucky.

Everyday I thank my angel sister for guiding over me when I needed it the most.

Tammy Jo Hiatt
Langdon, ND

Always check you just never know!

I have had active fibrocystic breast disease for the last 40 years or so, since about age 22, I have had hundreds of lumps aspirated from both breasts over the years. But I always had them checked and removed, in mid November 2012 I was getting ready for a neuro-stimulator implant in my back to keep me walking, and found a rather large lump again. I said to myself I would have it taken care of after the back surgery, so I saw my new family Dr. in late December 2012 she had never done an aspiration of these "cysts", I told her I could show her how to do it, but she insisted I go through what I called the horse and pony show; mammogram,(with the fibrocystic breast disease mammograms are almost always an issue because these cysts show up all the time) then ultrasound, well after the ultrasound they wanted a biopsy, I said you are kidding, I have been through this hundreds of times. Anyway I did what they asked and on January 2, 2013 I heard those three words "you have cancer" on January 11, 2013 I was in for another surgery, was given the option of a lumpectomy or mastectomy, I opted for the lumpectomy so on the left side I have a half a breast, on February 4, 2013 I started chemo 3 drugs, 2 every 3 weeks for 6 treatments and 1 every 3 weeks for 14 months, along with 33 radiation treatments and the good old cancer pill for 5 years.

The point is I really felt I knew what this lump was, I had the doctor convinced, it felt just like all the rest. You just never know after all of these years and all these lumps there it was CANCER! Please get checked, get it taken care of ASAP. Best of health to you all.

Linda Grey
Port Orange, FL

My journey

January 16, 2014, I found a lump in my left breast. I'm 47. I saw my Doctor on February 3, 2014. I told her my first mammogram done in May 30, 2012 was clear and I explained that my Mother had Breast Cancer currently. She asked how old she was. I told her she was 73. She said due to my Mothers age and no other Breast Cancer history, that my lump was most likely benign. She did a breast exam, and felt it was benign. She said, “Good news, right? You can stop worrying now." Somehow I felt that she was very wrong. She ordered a diagnostic Mammogram which I had done on February 11, 2014. An ultrasound was done and I was meeting with my Breast Surgeon on February 17, 2014. She did a breast exam and a biopsy. My fear was confirmed. I had invasive and in situ ductal carcinoma. I did not cry or break down, I had mentally prepared myself for the diagnosis. The hard part was telling my family.I met with my Oncologist, on February 26, 2014, We discussed options. I chose to have a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy. My lumpectomy was done on March 14, 2014. I would learn later, that I was Stage 2B and was ER+ PR+, HER2-, and BRACA 1 and 2 -. I got a call that my margins were clear on my pathology report. My relief was short lived. There was a mistake, my margins were NOT clear. It was radiation to site or re excise my initial lumpectomy site. I opted for the second,which was done April 18, 2014. My margins were again NOT clear. Mastectomy was my only option, with 4 rounds of chemo prior to surgery. I opted for bilateral mastectomy with breast reconstruction. August 8, 2014 my surgery was done. A second surgery is scheduled for December 4, 2014, to remove expanders and place breast implants. I am cancer FREE. Thankful for my family and friends who were with me every step I took! Be strong! There is hope, stay the course! God bless!!!

Lynne M.
Wichita, KS

Don't Let Mammograms Fool You

I was diagnosed in 2004 with LCIS. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years. I was always given a clean bill of health until November, 2012. I noticed an indentation in my right breast around the nipple. I called my Gynecologist and he had me immediately get a mammogram and ultrasound. Nothing conclusive showed on either test, so the referring surgeon scheduled an MRI and it lit up everything.

I had an MRI biopsy on 12/21/2012, and received confirmation on 12/26/2012 that I had breast cancer. It was Stage 2 and had spread to a few lymph nodes. I had a bilateral mastectomy on January 11, 2013, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery. I have become an advocate to my friends that they need to be completely aware of changes in their bodies.

What most people are not aware of is that LCIS is not always detectable on mammograms. I had a mammogram every six months and until the indentation, no one noticed that something was there. My way of coping throughout this entire adventure as I called it was to keep saying that "I'm going to have to go through this whether I like it or not so I might as well have fun with it". I bought a blond wig to replace my missing short black hair, I had an auburn bob style wig, and I had a baseball cap with hair sewn into the back that was my "beach hair" that I used to run around town. I found that attitude is 75% of the battle, and if you learn to laugh at yourself, it puts others at ease with the situation and besides, who doesn't like to laugh?

Nancy
Merritt Island, FL

Choosing to Fight

Almost every day I read someones story, their fight against this horrible disease. Today, after reading another inspirational message, I decided it was time to share my story, in hopes that others out there will see that there are more options than sitting back and waiting for breast cancer to take control... For me, it was all about choosing my time to fight....

My family history of breast cancer was long. I've lost my mother, and several members of my fathers family have fought this battle. Like everyone reading this, I've lost friends and supported others who have come through their fight successfully. So, after more than 6 years of mammos, ultrasounds, MRI's, biopsies and lumpectomies, including an MRI the day before my wedding, I decided I had enough of the waiting....

In March of this year, after finding two new suspicious masses that required lumpectomies, I consulted my breast surgeon about a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. After a genetic counselor confirmed that my risk rate was estimated at 67%, my insurance approved the procedure! I already felt like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders! In May I underwent the mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. All of the tissue was tested, and while a third mass was found - nothing was cancerous! I had beaten the cancer to the first punch! No radiation, no chemotherapy - just one surgery!

First and foremost, I'm grateful... I thank my husband and amazing family for believing in my decision and for the love and support through the crazy process.... as well as two pretty amazing doctors who worked through all of this with me. It's been almost 5 months now, life is back to "normal" - whatever that is - and the healing is (mostly) done...

My message? In my mind, the choice was easy. It was time to Fight like a Girl! I know I'll always have the scars - but for the first time in my adult life, I'm no longer waiting and wondering when it will be my turn to fight. I chose when to fight and have no regrets!

Michelle King
Clark, NJ

Tanya's Journey

Starting on June 23, 2014 I realized my life was going to change. I found a lump in my breast on June 22 and immediately made an appointment with my Doctor. The very next week I was getting a mammogram and an ultrasound. From the moment the radiologist said we had 3 areas of concern my fears were being validated. I kept a positive attitude and headed to my biopsy knowing I had breast cancer, but I would not say it until it was confirmed. Once it was confirmed I remained strong, however when the Doctor said how are you doing the tears came but not for long. I have 3 amazing children, a loving husband, and a very determined attitude. I was born a fighter, and have not let this bring me down. I am a high school teacher, DECA Advisor and just this year resigned from coaching XC and Track. I have kept working since my diagnosis, some days after chemo are really hard but with all the love and support of my co-workers I have made it through. My cancer is ER+ PR+ and aggressive (3 tumors and one in my lymph node). My treatment came like a whirlwind, as I stared chemo the week after I was diagnosed. I am currently on my 5th round of Chemo on Oct. 23 with my last and final round on Nov. 14. Surgery and radiation are next but one day at a time. Some days are harder than others, but I work really hard not to look sick to my 11 year old daughter. I still have a way to go on my journey but as one of my students quoted to me "Life is a climb, but the view is great" that says it all.

Tanya Steen
Puyallup, WA

Your "intuition" could save your life..

I was in the shower and for some reason I was doing more than just soaping up. I was pressing hard and doing a self breast exam. I did not know how to do one and really never wanted to do one because I was too scared I would find a lump.. that sounds sooo crazy . So my gutt or intuition or I like to say God had me find this lump that was almost impossible to find , it was on and close to my rib I thought it was part of my rib. When I found that lump I tried to ignore but my "intuition" would not allow me peace of mind, so I went to breast clinic, the trained MD could not find this lump I had to show her where it was. Lump did not show up in my Mammogram. Had a biopsy and "everyone" was sure it was "not cancer" including the Dr doing the biopsy , it just didn't have the "standard characteristics" . Well after biopsy , I was driving and got a call from an MD , someone who I did not know who told me to pull over he has some news.. Well I tried to pull over but before I could he told me I had... "cancer"... and my life flashed before me.. I was a mom, single mom, caregiver for both of my parents, a new grandmother , a sister and auntie an employee of a job , "healthy" and no family hx of cancer of any kind, and here I was , facing life and death. Long story short my family and friends dragged me through this ordeal and loved me so much all I could do was feel the healing in my body and soul. I am so blessed and grateful for this journey , it was the hardest thing ive ever done at times felt I was in "another world" due to side effects of Chemo but im here now and LOVE being a GRANDMA! Praise God! 4 yr survivor!

Wendy Sandoval
Sacramento, CA