Describe the first time the survivor learned he or she was diagnosed. What was the first reaction? How did he or she feel? How has it changed his or her life?
Barbara was diagnosed from her annual routine mammogram in October 2009. In November 2009 a lesion was identified, a biopsy was performed by an oncology surgeon. The surgeon requested the biopsy report to be completed and presented to Barbara the very next day. This was a red flag for Barbara but she was so confident that it was another area of concern which happened several times over the last 10 years or so. She was informed the lesion was mammary duct carcinoma and invasive.

Once she heard the news, she was shocked and extremely anxious. But Barbara continued to move forward to gain the most information possible about her breast cancer and the best treatment possible. By December 2009, Barbara had gathered all the information she needed to make her decision on a bilateral mastectomy with immediate implants at the time of surgery, as long as the invasive area had not spread to the lymph nodes. She had her surgery on January 12, 2010 which was an absolute success.

Post-surgery Barbara was informed the invasive area had no lymph node involvement and she consequently did not need any further treatment. No chemotherapy (due to a stellar Oncoytype DX biopsy test which resulted in Barbara’s recurrence rate for breast CA of 10%) or radiation was required.

Barbara takes Femara daily (estrogen blocker) which will reduce her recurrence rate to 7% during her lifetime. What a fabulous outcome from such devastating news of a diagnosis of breast CA.

Describe what this experience was like and how it affected and changed their idea of breast cancer and what they have learned from this:
Barbara hand picked her oncology surgeon (not the surgeon who performed her biopsy), who met with her to discuss her surgery options and discuss the actual incisions she would be performing. Barbara’s cancer was located under her left arm which could have created a large, unattractive scar and slight disfigurement.

Barbara met with several plastic surgeons as well, to determine the best outcome possible, and the outcome she was most comfortable with post surgery. During the appointment with the selected plastic surgeon, who waits for complete healing before doing reconstruction, she was ready mentally for waiting until the surgeon looked at her build and body structure and determined he could insert immediate implants at the time of surgery as long as the invasive lesion had not entered the lymph system. Well, good news for Barbara, the cancer did not enter the lymph system and immediate implants were inserted. Barbara woke up from surgery (4 hour surgery) with an unbelievable outcome. Additionally, she felt so wonderful post surgery she was allowed to return home to recover as her sister, a critical care RN, was there to nurse her back to health. Barbara never felt one moment of pain or suffering during the entire procedure and post surgery recovery, and she was taking Ibuprofen by day three.

It was a remarkable experience and Barbara could not have been happier with her decision to take an aggressive approach to a small, pea sized invasive lesion. Today, four months post surgery, she is back to normal with such excitement and enthusiasm regarding the outcome that she encourages anyone to take the steps she has taken to overcome the devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. Today she barely has evidence of scars and her breast reconstruction is still in progress. Barbara’s next step is to have the saline implants removed to be replaced with gel implants (recommended by the plastic surgeon who states they feel more like your own breast tissue) followed by tattoo nipples which from she understands look fabulous. The continuation of her reconstruction will occur in early July due to the surgeon’s availability, which she was not concerned about as the timing for the final reconstruction is not urgent considering all she has overcome.

Barbara did not do all her healing alone; she spent many sessions with her psychotherapist, acupuncture therapist and massage therapy and yoga. She continues to maintain her focus on her ultimate health overall and hopes to participate (already registered!) in her annual goal of the Wilmington YMCA Wrightsville Beach Triathlon in September 2010.

Describe how this person became involved with the fight against breast cancer.
Barbara has many friends touched by breast cancer before she was diagnosed. She had been involved in The Race for the Cure in NYC several times and has joined a local group of breast cancer survivors called “Lumps to Laughter”.

Barbara is very positive and enthusiastic to show everyone her outcome, which in Barbara’s standards was not her attitude “pre cancer”, she is very proud of her decision for treatment and wants to share the excitement and happiness one can find by taking an aggressive approach to breast cancer.

What is his or her advice for other survivors?
Barbara’s advice is to stay positive and stay surrounded by positive people who love and care for her. Barbara was touched by all her friends, coworkers and relatives who supported her decision and took matters into her own hands when she was given information by physicians who were not accurate. Fortunately, Barbara is not one to take the first opinion she hears as she seeks out what is best for her and a decision she can live with the rest of her life. Barbara thanks God for her strength and intelligence so she was able to step forward to interview up to ten physicians (oncology surgeons, oncologist, radiologist, family practice physician, internist, gynecologist, and plastic surgeons) to determine the right treatment for her and to stand strong on her conviction that her outcome post surgery could be a beautiful one both physically and mentally. She is an inspiration for others in her attitude and convictions as Barbara is a leader who understands there are various ways to treat individuals for cancer and other diseases. Barbara proved that she could obtain the outcome she knew was possible if all went well with the outcome of the surgery.

Any other comments?
Barbara would like to share with all those diagnosed with breast cancer to feel comfortable with an outcome the individual will be satisfied with for the long term. The emotional chaos of diagnosis of breast cancer should not be taken lightly so be strong to determine the best care possible. Remember that breasts are an organ and everyone can function without these organs. Barbara told her plastic surgeon that she would like to thank the inventors of the breast implants, and was told that these two physicians originally from Texas are both deceased but a movie was made about their discovery in a movie called “The Breast Story”. One last point about Barbara’s overall experience: she knew that the one physician behind the scenes who rarely gets acknowledgement is the oncology radiologist, who saw the lesion and proceeded with utmost conservative measures on such a small area which turned out to be cancerous and invasive. Barbara brought this physician candy on Valentine’s Day to thank him for finding what could have been missed or ‘watched’ but pursued an answer to his suspicion. Without the meticulous observation of the radiologist who identified the lesion, Barbara would not be where she is today. Barbara is forever grateful to all who believed in her, listened to her and agreed with the outcome she hoped would be the result of such a traumatic experience. Thank God, all those prayers and love from all who love her.