I would like to share my breast cancer story.
I had a mammogram in December, 2007, which was normal. I didn't believe what the results were, and I did tell my MD that I felt a lump. She has been giving me my physicals, including a breast exam for years. She never felt anything. And she still didn't feel anything this day, as well. I was insistent that something was not right. She told me that I could see a surgeon, if I wanted to, but don't rush....for it will be nothing.
I still didn't like her answer.
I called a surgeon the next day....and he looked at my mammogram films, and didn't see anything. He gave me a breast exam...and he did feel a thickness, however, didn't think it was anything. We spoke awhile, and I told him that feel a change and would be comfortable if he opened me up and looked, and take anything out, if shown.
The next day, which he agreed to, I had surgery. He found a large tumor, above the left nipple, with a few satellite areas next to this. It was positive. I had breast cancer.
Woman out there.......TRUST YOURSELF. TRUST YOUR OWN SELF BREAST EXAMS. YOU KNOW YOUR OWN BODY.
I started Chemo immediately...after seeing an Oncologist.
After six treatments, 3 weeks apart....and waiting one month to recouperate...I had a mastecomy on the left with lymph nodes removed, and opted for a right mastectomy, which they did not recommend.
They stated I was a Stage 3, however, they could not be positive since my lymph nodes were negative, along with my breast tissue upon pathology, due to having my Chemo first. The lymph nodes were swollen per MRI, prior to surgery, however normal upon pathology after surgery.
My pathology report was CPR, which means that I had a "complete pathologic response" to the Chemo. That was just wonderful !!!
Now, I have completed two of approx 33 radiation treatments.
I have found out that I was just about depleted of Vitamin D and my MTHFR, clotting disorder should have been treated with folate. I am now taking Vitamin D and Folapro, along with numerous other vitamins and minerals.
I have never felt this great. I have energy that I cannot remember the last time I had.
The Radiation Oncologist told me that Vitamin D, would replace and get me back to normal, and prevent any further cancers. Remember for your future: Vitamin D and Breast health are extremely important. A low Vitamin D level can increase your chances of breast cancer ALOT !! Research has shown this, my MD told me.
TRUST YOUR SELF !!
I am a health care professional....so I did have the knowledge and the connections to get appointments ASAP and treatments ASAP....however be your own advocate !!!!
Educate yourself and your friends and family.
Spread the word !! I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANY OTHER WOMAN GET BREAST CANCER DUE TO A MAMMOGRAM THAT DIDN'T SHOW ANYTHING.....A LOW VITAMIN D LEVEL....OR DOCTOR'S WHO DIDN'T BELIEVE YOU !!!
