I DO NOT fit the statistics and my doctors have had to throw out the book to treat me. I was diagnosed with a very little known and barely studied form of Breast Cancer. Here's my story.
At age 41, I schedule a routine mammogram and ultrasound, because I was about the age to start them. September, 14 2011 at 10:45am I had my first screening. I was not expecting anything, I have no Breast cancer (or any other cancer) in my family medical history. The Techs face said it all and the office did a biopsy that morning. By the time I left they pretty much told me I had cancer. That week my primary confirmed it. I was Stunned! I had done everything they say to do. Self exams, doctor visits, etc.
Turns out I had Stage 4, aggressive LOBULAR breast cancer. Lobular cancer does NOT create LUMPS and has NO OUTWARD signs unless/until Nipple inclusion. It creates Webs that move with you. If in one side very high probability will/is in the other side. (% goes up as you age that it will occur on other side), more likely to cause secondary cancer. Not known to be hereditary.
The Doctors have little info/research on how fast/slow this type grows or how it reacts to chemo/radiation, this and MRI showed it was only 1cm from chest wall; I had to have Surgery immediately.
On 10/26/2011, I had a Radical bi-lateral mastectomy with full left side lymph node removal. 10.5cm mass found in left and 1.4cm in Right side. Heavy duty rounds of chemo and radiation. So far so good.
Body still rejecting any attempt to do reconstruction, but that's OK.
I count myself so blessed just to still be here, Breasts or no Breasts.
I strongly believe ALL should have access to mammograms no matter what age, sex or financial situation! Saves Lives!!
It Saved Mine!!!
Summerville, SC
