Had my usual mammogram the end of Oct. 2013, had a call back about the left breast. Ultrasound showed dilated duct and they were nothing to worry about. Saw my GYN in Nov. and all was well. Had a knot in right breast which he felt was okay since mammogram was okay. We would just watch for now. The end of November the knot was there and a little larger. Called back and they reassured me all was well. I insisted on a one with the doctor. Saw him the first on December and did another exam. He said another mammogram would not help, I needed to see a surgeon. Saw him that afternoon, had an ultrasound and a biopsy. Two days later, got the diagnosis of Lobular Breast Cancer. Had an MRI of both breast 2 days later. Tumor 4.5cm with one node. Had to fight the insurance company to get a Pet scan. Pet scan done end of December. Had a bilateral mastectomy January 6, 2014. Tumor 4.7 with removal of 13 lymph nodes with 3 positive nodes and ER positive. Had a port inserted in February and chemo began. Four cycles of Adriamycin and Cytoxan, followed by weekly Taxol for 9 weeks. Had to stop Taxol early due toxicity with neuropathy in my finger tips and toes and ball of my feet. Began on Femara This was followed by 28 radiation treatment. All this was completed by September. Then when all was said and done had surgery for achalasia the end of September. Had been off work since January and when able to return to work found out I no longer had a job. But the best part I am here to say, do your monthly breast exam and insisted on care if you feel something that is just not right.

Anonymous
Birmingham, AL