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My story is a long one. I will try to keep it brief. I was 27
years old (1993) and engaged to be married. I felt a lump in my
left breast and went to my OB/GYN. I had a mammogram and ultra
sound then sent to a general surgeon when they couldn't
determine anything. I followed up with the general surgeon for
several months and he concluded it was a cyst. Silly me believed
this.
About a year later I was married and recently had a
miscarriage (1995). I noticed the skin dimpling near the
"cyst." I went back to my general surgeon and he could
tell I was concerned and said he could remove it if I wanted. I
did and surgery was scheduled. I remember him saying he wasn't
worried. Well, when I woke from the surgery, Doctor was by my
side saying "sorry...it's cancer." Boy what an
awakening! I never really thought it could be that! Or maybe I
did and that's why I went back and wanted it removed. I am also
a Juvenile Diabetic and thought that was my
"handicap."
Why did they never biopsy this over a year ago! I suddenly
became very educated on this disease. Two days later I was back
in surgery to have the lumpectomy. A couple days later I come to
learn I have 4 positive lymph nodes, and my cancer is
aggressive. I was just as aggressive. Had chemo, stem cell
transplant (this is a story in itself!), and radiation.
Shortly after the radiation I couldn't even walk to the
bathroom. I remember crawling on the floor in the hospital to
get to the bathroom. Finally, a diagnosis of radiation to my
lung. Steroids were the treatment. Better now, but permanent
scarring to date.
Serious pneumonia after this with suppress immune system from
the stem cell transplant. This was first misdiagnosis, one
doctor thought I needed to be on steroids again for the
radiation to my lung. Learned a couple weeks later at a
transplant follow up that I had a pneumonia the size of a golf
ball and that I could have died without treatment...especially
on steroids. Fired another doctor.
Then I started having chest pains. After another struggle...I
found a great doctor to listen and ordered a stress test. Ooops.
Now I have a cardiologist and in Cath lab. He's unable to get to
blockages. Three in one artery. All in one spot. Close to the
chest wall. Radiation damage again? Second opinion and
both suggest bypass surgery. This was done in 1997.
Okay...they say God never gives you more than you can handle!
I'm trying to believe this. I had to go back to cath lab twice
because of scar tissue at the graft.
I continue to go for all my check ups. I still have several
doctors. Oncologist at home and one where I had my
transplant. I have a lot of faith with my Oncologist at
transplant hospital and continue to follow with her. In
1999 I had a little scare. Scar tissue near lumpectomy seems a
little different, but regular CT, Bone Scans, Mammograms, and
labs don't show anything. I saw a breast surgeon at this
hospital and she did a fine needle biopsy. She told me it didn't
show anything. Guess I should have asked more questions. But
once again believed her.
February 2002, I am following up at home now since it has
been 5 years since my transplant and don't need to travel for my
follow ups. This great doctor that diagnosed my heart
problems...didn't like this scar area either and sent me for a
mammogram and ultra sound. Well, doctor could see this mass
under ultra sound and thinks it's scar tissue too, but could do
a core biopsy if my oncologist and I wanted. Well, yes I do! And
so did my Great Doctor. And guess what! You guessed, cancer is
back. I cried! I thought I can't go through this again.
I told you this is a long story. I have left out so much too.
I went back to transplant hospital (this is their name now...I
don't like to give names). I saw this breast surgeon
again, I wasn't comfortable with her at all this time. She
seemed to think this was attached to my chest wall and talked
about possibly removing a rib and inserting a rod! I had a
breast MRI and it showed it was not attached. I ended up having
a mastectomy in my local town. I learned I must be my own
advocate. Trust your instincts, they are usually right. And
never feel awkward questioning a doctors recommendations if you
are not sure.
I ended up having several cancers in this breast and had to
some strong chemo. I faired the chemo again. Recently got
an opinion from a reputable breast surgeon about reconstruction.
He doesn't recommend surgery and wouldn't even do surgery on me
if I wanted him too. Honest guy...not just out for the money! I
was sad at first but then relieved because I was struggling with
idea of reconstruction surgery. I'm just happy my hair is
growing back!
Last year I was the #1 female fundraiser in our local Relay
for Life, and my team came in second place for the team raising
the most money. We received tent decorating awards as well as
Heart of "our town name." My work is going to be a
sponsor this year! And we are going to try to raise even more
this year. I don't want others to have to go though what I have.
I pray for a cure real soon!
Laura
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