I’m Rosemarie, and I am a five year survivor of cancer of the left breast.
I was going to retire as a call center agent from a Kaiser Permanente hospital near me, when my doctor called me on vacation, and told me not to retire. He said they found something in my left breast, but couldn’t be sure of what it was. So, he sent me for another mammogram (I have one every year faithfully). They still couldn’t tell what it was, so I was sent for an ultra-sound. Even after the ultra-sound they still couldn’t tell what it was, but they knew something was there. Finally, I was sent for a biopsy. I had a needle stuck in my breast that had to be protected with a Styrofoam cup (I felt like Madonna). Finally they found it. It was so minute. It was about the size of a pea. After having three operations and some lymph nodes removed, they finally got the sucker (they didn’t want to remove too much tissue if it wasn’t necessary).
Now for the good news. I didn’t have any chemo. I was asked if I wanted to be in a nationwide study to stop chemo. I almost fell out of my chair when I was given that choice. Of course I jumped at it and said yes without blinking an eyelash. I will be in the study, and have my blood tested, for another fifteen years. The purpose is to stop giving chemo to our children and grandchildren.
I did have radiation, and that knocked me for a loop for awhile. I didn’t know it took so long for radiation to leave your system. I found out about it from a plastic surgeon. I needed a breast reduction, as they no longer matched. I use to be a 42 G and now the left breast was up here and the right was down to my waist. So I had to wait one year for the radiation to leave my body. Now I tell everyone I’m a 73 year old broad with 17 year old boobs.
Another thing that helped is that I’ve always been a positive happy person. So, truthfully, through it all I’ve never been afraid. I’ve also relied entirely on my God to sustain me, as well as my loving husband and son. My friend’s were a strong support also. They were always there when ever I needed them for anything. So with all that love how could I fail?
So hang in there and know everyone’s love is with you.
Rosemarie
California
Submitted 11-18-2012
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.
