Over five years ago, when I was 39 years old (single mother of two) I found a large lump. It seemed like it showed up overnight. I had a mammogram and ultrasound which were both negative. I was very uncomfortable with the results because the mass was so large and easily palpable. I followed up with a general surgeon. He watched the lump for a month or so and then ordered an MRI. It was a 5 cm ductal carcinoma. Because the tumor was large and was rapidly growing, my doctors recommended chemotherapy and radiation. Since I wanted breast conservation, I chose to have chemotherapy before surgery. As all survivors know, treatment was horrible but the alternative was worse. The chemotherapy worked (or so we thought), the tumor shrunk. A lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy followed with a minimal loss of breast tissue.
Radiation was next. During radiation I had a horrible feeling that something was wrong. I started getting lightheaded and dizzy so my oncologist ordered a brain MRI. The results were negative. During the next 6 months my symptoms worsened (migraines and aphasia). Since the chemotherapy had been so successful and my sentinel lymph node biopsy showed regressing tumor cells and the brain MRI was negative, my oncologist sent me back to my family doctor to talk about the migraines. We tried a couple of migraine medicines but nothing worked. My doctor ordered a CT scan. There it was, a 2 cm metastatic tumor. Brain surgery and radiation followed.
I share this story because I AM very lucky and blessed. I am still here! Over the past five years I have remarried to a wonderful man and his three daughters. I have enjoyed so much happiness with my family including reunions, weddings, graduations and the birth of a grand baby! Please never doubt yourself when it comes to your health. Don't ignore symptoms. Be your own advocate!!!!
Boise, ID
