A Cancer Survivor's Perspective, Ten Years Beyond Diagnosis

In December of this year, I will be free of breast cancer for 10 years. Needless to say, it was somewhat of a shock when I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 1997. Why it wasn't a total shock was that I was beginning to see changes in my breast over a year before the diagnosis. I felt the lump and actually saw a "dimpling" or indentation in part of my left breast that should have screamed out to my doctor that something was wrong. I was very lucky that the tumor that had been growing over that year was not very aggressive. My doctor at the time missed the signs, and the radiologist misdiagnosed the change in my breast as "benign."

Once the diagnosis was certain, I went through a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. I worked full-time during my treatment, and lived my life like everyone else. The normalcy in my life was just punctuaed every three weeks by a few days of nausea and fatigue, and I had to leave work an hour early everyday for seven weeks for my radiation sessions. During the first year or so after the treatment, I did panic a little when a felt an odd pain here or there. But as time went on, what I went through was like a dream.

My experience of the diagnosis and treatment has led me to try to help others who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis. For the past six years, I have volunteered with the American Cancer Society as a Reach to Recovery volunteer. Reach to Recovery is a program that matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with those that have already been through it. The breast cancer survivors in the program can guide the newly diagnosed through the medical system so that the newly diagnosed know what questions to ask, the importance of second opinions, and can gain an understanding of all of the "new" terminology they will hear, such as: tumor stage versus tumor grade, etc.

Just yesterday, news broke in New York City that a 35 year-old single mom was mistakenly diagnosed with breast cancer and had had a double mastectomy. When you are going through tests to diagnose something suspicious in your breast, or something anywhere in your body, this is what you must do:

- Choose a reputable radiology facility. The facility should have up-to-date equipment and a good reputation for accurate reports.

- If there is anything suspicious on a mammogram, you should have a sonogram of the breast and possibly a biopsy. Many doctors may take a wait and see approach, recommending another mammogram within a six month period. However, if something is seen on a mammogram, it is prudent not to wait and see.

- Today, if the tumor is at least a certain size, you can have a core needle biopsy instead of going through a surgical biopsy. If the core needle biopsy is done correctly, you will know not only if the tumor is benign or cancerous, but also what type of tumor. Knowing this information before surgery, will help you and your doctor make a better decision about lumpectomy vs. mastectomy. In my case, when I had the core needle biopsy, my breast surgeon knew from the pathology report that my cancer was not aggressive and that I was good candidate for lumpectomy and for a sentinel node biopsy of the underarm lymph nodes, rather than the more invasive lymph node dissection.

- If you can, choose a breast surgeon over a general surgeon. While many general surgeons perform many breast surgeries, a breast surgeon usually has done so many surgeries that the cosmetic outcome on a lumpectomy may be superior. In addition, breast surgeons may be more versed in the latest treatment options.

- If you can, choose a large medical facility to have your surgery and other tests and treatments. The facility should have a respected Oncology department that is versed in the latest cancer treatments and available clinical trials.

- If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, go on the internet to sites such as the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), or the National Cancer Institute (www.cancer.gov), to learn all of the latest cancer treatment protocols. You should understand something about the disease, so that you are prepared with questions for your surgeon and oncologist, and so you might understand what they are telling you about your condition.

- If you are having a hard time coming to terms with your diagnosis, ask your doctor or medical facility about support groups or other mental health services. It is important that you come to terms with your diagnosis so that you can forge ahead with your treatment, and understand that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

- Above all, remember that today there are more breast cancer survivors living long lives than ever before. The key is to be aware of any changes in your breast, have yearly mamographies starting at age 40, and receiving the best medical treatment you can once you are diagnosed.