My Aunt Elsie died of breast cancer. When she was originally diagnosed she was already in stage 4. Then my cousin got breast cancer. I discovered my lump in July 2006. I scheduled my doctor appointment and went in for my exam making sure the doctor clearly understood my family history of breast cancer. The doctor could not feel the lump at first, then I showed him where it was. When he felt it he said it was nothing more than a normal breast cyst and wanted to stick a needle in it and drain it. I said no sir. I need you to tell me if I have cancer or not. Well reluctantly he wrote out orders for a mamogram and ultrasound, but he assured me they would not find anything. A few days later I went in for my mammogram and ultrasound. They did the mammogram.. At first they were not going to do the ultrasound, but after a twenty minute wait, I knew something was definitely wrong. They called me into a room and explained they had to do the ultrasound after all. After the ultrasound was done, Dr. Johnson, whom I love, said it was 90% chance it was cancer. I came back the next day for my biopsy. The original doctor who did my first exam, Dr. Hunter Hollingsworth, who said I had a cyst, would not even contact my regarding my results. After 5 days I contacted the biopsy clinic and it was Dr. Johnson who confirmed that I had Invasive Ductal Carcenoma. Since my diagnosis, another cousin has been treated for breast cancer. We have to take proactive measure with our health. I just underwent a 2nd biopsy on another lump. It was negative for any cancer cells. Thank God.
Joan Nicholes
Houston, TX