A Lumpectomy Or Mastectomy: Personal Story

What have been some of the key things you have struggled with in the aftermath of your lumpectomy or mastectomy?

I was blessed in that my breast cancer was caught early. It was found on a routine mammogram. I started going every year after I turned 60. I couldn't feel the lump even after I was shown where it was. I was thankful that I only needed a lumpectomy and lymph node resection, one scar. I didn't care if I had a mastectomy. My mother had a radical mastectomy years ago and she died of metastatic breast cancer. Going through the process of radiation treatments was a struggle to get there because I was taking extra pain medication due to back pain.

What would you want others to know about your journey?

My breast was sore at the end of the radiation treatment but most of it was much better in a couple of weeks. I had a small area under my breast that took a little longer to heal. My doctors and nurses have been so kind. The radiation people were kind for the most part but they have to do what they have to do. There was a craft table in the waiting area that I would join in as I waited for my ride. This was my 3rd cancer so I was a little nervous about what would happen even though I was reassured that I would be alright. It's been 4 years and 6 years for the other 2 cancers and so far I'm cancer-free.

If you could give advice to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer, what would you tell them?

One thing I tell everyone is to get your mammogram on time. It saved me pain and may have saved my life. I can assure you that my doctors were kind especially Dr. Rutenberg, my radiation oncologist. I have faith in Jesus so know what happens is what is for the good of believers and sometimes when life is hard for me it may be helping someone else. So, again I remind you to get your mammogram and trust in the Lord that all will work out and he will give you the right doctors.