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Cindy's Story

Age when diagnosed: 41 - 45
Florida, United States of America
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Difficult saying the words "breast cancer"

Mon, May 11 2009 by Cindy

It was very difficult for me to say the words breast cancer to anyone. The word cancer alone was even more frightening. Unless one hears those words from a physician that "your biopsy is positive for breast caner," it is difficult for anyone to understand how they would react.

I initially went in for a lumpectomy only to find out four days later that my margins were not clear (meaning I had more breast cancer in the surrounding tissue), and that a modified radical mastectomy was suggested. Working for a breast surgeon, and knowing the surgeon performing my surgery I was confident that removal of my breast was necessary in order to have a good outcome from my diagnosis.

After I had my mastectomy it was off to see the oncologist. Since I work at the University of Miami I felt comfortable with the doctor I chose. She was compassionate, and went over in detail my type of tumor, and suggestions/options of treatment for me. I have to say I was petrified sitting, listening to every word she said with regard to treatment. I was told since I still have my right breast that taking a drug called Tamoxifen would help reduce the risk recurrence by 40%, and if I chose to also take chemotherapy for six months that my chances of a recurrence would be 3%.

I left her office not confused, but scared. I did not want to have chemotherpay for personal reason that I will not get into, but was postiive that I would try the Tamoxifen. However, she still wanted me to go home to think about whether I wanted to take chemotherapy (CMF) or not.

Knowing many people in the medical field I began making phone calls. I contact an oncologist I know in Boca Raton and asked her what her thought were on me skipping the chemotherapy. I did not have any ovaries as I had a total hysterctomy in 1988 due to endometriosis, and was also considering removal of my right breast prophylactically anyway. She was of some help, but ultimately it was my decision. My tumor measured 1.5 cm X 0.7 cm X 0.5 cm, which was small. Even though one has multifocal breast cancer they stage the patient by the first tumor, which was 1.5 cm., making me a stage I.

In summary, I decided to take Tamoxifen and I had my right breast removed three months later.