|
Debbie
In November 1999, I found a lump while nursing my baby.
I'm a breastfeeding counselor and was in tune with my body, I guess.
I was treated for 7 days for mastitis with antibiotics, which did
nothing, so I was referred to a surgeon.
In the meantime, my breast began to get red, the skin thickened,
and I could see the pores in my breast (which had been previously
unnoticeable). This all happened very rapidly. I did not waste
any time and went to the surgeon who performed a biopsy and ordered
a diagnostic mammogram. That's when I was diagnosed with inflammatory
breast cancer (which is always Stage IIIB). I had to abruptly wean
my baby and deal with this devastating diagnosis.
My children were only 4 and 1 at the time.
I had three rounds of Adriamycin/Taxotere (1 tx every 3 weeks is
a round) and ended up in the hospital with severe diarrhea and cramping.
My 4th round was just Taxotere since I reacted so badly to the
Adriamycin.
Three months after diagnosis, I had a bilateral mastectomy. Surprise,
surprise, they removed an 8cm tumor that no one knew was there.
It was growing along my chest wall. 12 out of 26 lymph nodes removed
had cancer. The surgeon didn't get clean margins, I still had cancer!
I was ER+/PR- and HER/2 3++ overexpressor. So, I had four more
rounds of Taxotere with weekly Herceptin infusions.
The Taxotere was followed by six weeks of daily radiation.
Follow up CTs showed no evidence of cancer, I was finally in
remission!
The next month I had a hysterectomy for preventative purposes.
My thinking was, I want everything out that could be a breeding
place for cancer to return.
I continue weekly Herceptin infusions indefinitely, but have had
chemo-related heart function problems. The doctors are keeping
a close eye on my heart situation so that I can remain on the Herceptin.
I feel lucky to have an oncologist who uses it in the adjuvant
setting for me, I'm not in a clinical trial.
I take Femara (an aromatase inhibitor) daily, as my doctor felt
there were too many complication risks with tamoxifen for me. Studies
have shown Femara to be superior to tamoxifen anyway, so I am happy
with the choice.
My daily prayer is to live to see my children (now 5 & 2) grow up.
I am dedicated to educating young women about breast cancer, and
have spoken to several women’s groups throughout my state.
I volunteered at the Charlotte, NC Race for the Cure on October
7, 2000 a couple of weeks after my hysterectomy. My family walked
in my honor and carried a poster with a painted-on pink ribbon and
pictures of our family that said 'We are Walking in Celebration of
Mommy'.
I participated in our first annual Making Strides Against Breast
Cancer Race. I carried the IBC Warriors and Pathfinders Umbrella
and was proud to have walked the entire 5K.
I was included in the "Faces and Voices of Breast Cancer" display
at a local mall with our pictures and put our stories on tape for
people to hear.
I’ve been interviewed on TV and in the newspaper.
I attended a Young Survivor's Conference in Philadelphia in January
2001.
Finally, I am on U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick's breast cancer task force.
I’m a SURVIVOR and feel great today!
I am in the process of writing a book to help women deal with inflammatory
breast cancer and I plan to include sections on what women aren’t
told before chemotherapy, surgery and radiation (including tips
to get through hair loss, radiation burns, etc.) and how to stay
positive!
I believe that my ever-growing faith in God has helped me throughout
this ordeal. Also, by helping others, I am helping myself.
I have so much to live for.
Yes, the 5 year survival rate is only about 40%, but who says I
can't be one of the 4 out of 10? I intend to find out!
| 
