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Karen’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Breast Cancer StoriesIn March 2012, I went for my routine mammogram followed by a sonogram. To my surprise I was told that there “MAYBE” something of concern. “MAY,” are you kidding! I immediately took my films to another radiology center. The radiologist said that I needed to have a biopsy. The very next day I had the biopsy done. The findings were significant. The big “C” word. They had found two different areas in my left breast that had two different types of cancer. The breast tissue had been so dense that it was hard to see.

I immediately took action. It was definitely recommended that I have a mastectomy, but I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. Since my breast were so dense and the cancer was difficult to find I didn’t want to take any chances. Within 10 days I had the surgery along with the reconstruction. I was fortunate to have two doctors; one breast surgeon and one plastic surgeon that coordinated and worked together. They basically did everything for me. I did not have to think about a thing. It made it so much easier because we all know you are numb at this point. I was fortunate that the breast tissue that was sent out for testing came back and we learned from it that the cancer I had would benefit from Tamoxifen. Chemo was not need.

It has been one year since my breast surgery. I am a 50 year old who decided to not let this get in her head. I have three children. A boy 20, and two girls, 18 and 10. Telling my children was the hardest thing for me to do. My oldest was away at college and going through finals. I waited until after the surgery to tell him. I thought this was the right thing to do, but it was not. My son was very angry. He wanted to be with me. I just didn’t want to disrupt his life. My 18 year old just looked at me and cried. She came to the hospital with me the morning of my surgery and stayed with me. She went from being a kid without a care in the world to a very responsible adult. She helped me with everything. She took care of her sister and made sure I was comfortable. It is so great to have such a great supportive family. I since have had a preventative hysterectomy. Now I am moving forward. I will not let this hold me back.  I will fight and stay positive.

Karen
New York
Submitted 6-26-2013

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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