jerryn's Cancer Blog

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

How It Started

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My journey with breast cancer began in 2005. In March 05, I had a total hysterectomy because of aggravating fibriod tumors. After the 6 weeks recovery period, my gyn precscribed a low dose medication known as Estradiol to combat my hot flashes. Even though I had a history of fibrocystic breast, it was still prescribed with the comment of it’s a low dose and shouldn’t cause any problems. I beg to differ because in 11’05 I felt a sizeable lump in my right breast. I went to my general surgeon and he immediately schuedled me for a biopsy. The biopsy was done on 12-15-05 and to the surprise of my surgeon he advised it was cancerous but the lump was being sent to the lab for confirmation. I was sent home with a drain with instructions on how to empty and measure the fluid. When I went for my follow up visit a few weeks later, I was advised that I had Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer and that a mastectomy would be the best course of action. I got to thinking about the left breast which was plagued with lumps also, so a sentinal node biopsy was ordered for that breast. No lumps of concern was found but a fibriodadnoma was. I then decided it would be best to remove both breast and eliminate the worry of cancer occurring in the left breast in the future. The next thing I had to do after that was tell my mother. This was hard because my father had passed away from a heart attack in 9’05 and I knew this would be hard on her. I told her and she was upset at first but understood why I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy.

On 2-8-07, the bilateral mastectomy was done and the surgeon removed some of the lymph nodes under my right arm and 6 of those were cancerous. This time I went home with my chest wrapped up and 2 drains to deal with.
My motto is “Count Your Blessings and Not Your Problems Daily” if you focus on your blessings you will not dwell on your problems. It is best to keep a positive attitude and maintain a strong faith in God when you’re going through rough times. When it was time to remove the wrap and the drains and I saw myself without breast for the first time, I just simply said what’s next, let’s move on.

The next step was to see an Oncologist who prescribed chemotherapy and radiation treatments. My Chemo treatments started in 3’06 and I finished up in 6’06. This whole experience inspired me to host Online Talk Shows to promote awareness that “Cancer Doesn’t Have To Be A Death Sentence.”
I had my first show on 6-24-06 and it was successful and I’ve decided to continue having the shows.
My radiation treatments began in 7’06 and I finished up on 9-13-06. Well that’s how it all started and I want to stress that early detection is the key to conquering this horrible disease.