19 year Breast Cancer Survivor

On a routine checkup with my gynecologist, he discovered a lump in my left breast. I was very upset not knowing what was in store for me. From the doctor’s office I had my scheduled mammogram which indicated the shape of the lump appeared to be cancerous. He recommended a surgeon who was located in the same building and was able to see me that same day. He viewed the mammogram and felt it was cancerous. He scheduled an operation for the following week. My husband suggested that we consult with the Surgeon to determine what options were available. He indicated that a lumpectomy was not an option due to the fact I am small breasted. This diagnosis appeared very ironic to me as just one year prior to this diagnosis my older brother had a mastectomy. I was confused, nervous, upset and had all the fear of not surviving the pending surgery. On February 27, 1990 the surgery was performed as a modified radical mastectomy and 21 lymph nodes were removed. I was in the hospital for 2 1/2 days and came home with the drains in my chest. My first visit to an oncologist was in April and he prescribed Tamoxafin which I took for 5 years. In December, 1990 I developed lymphodemia (from carrying Christmas packages) and my arm was very feverish, swollen and painful. I had to wear and elastic sleeve on my left arm from December to March of the next year at which time the swelling went down. For the next few years lymphodemia developed several times which necessitated wearing the sleeve. However I have not had any further swelling but my left arm still feels funny whenever it rains. I feel I am very fortunate to be a 19 year survivor and able to live a normal life.

Cancer is a horrible and frightening disease but with prompt care the patient could survive.