kimmycakes' Journey with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Wow, who would have ever thought I would be saying I had breast cancer. I was very careful about my diet, exercise and other lifestyle choices. There was no history of breast cancer in my family so the diagnosis was almost surreal for me.

I had a lumpectormy to remove my cancer; when they went in they had to take out a little more than expected but that was fine with me. I am a fighter and very strong and positive person. I went back to work within two days and never missed a day of work after; still went every day for radiation and continued my exercise routine. I felt it was important to keep my life as "normal" as possible. I am a very private person, so no one in the community knew of my diagnosis or surgery except my family and a few close friends. I had very minimal side effects of radiation treatment; but I did have the weeping or sweating as they call it under the breast; it was very managable.

Radiation was a breeze.....

Mayo Clinic is trying to see if emu oil is more effective than the other oils currently used for the breast after radiation. I have yet to hear the resuls as they have not secured enough volunteers that I am aware of.

I didn't have side effects that I would describe as "notable," other than the sweating that occured during the last two weeks of my radiation.

My family and I celebrated with a night out when I finished treatment. I also attend the Cancer Survivors Day at Mayo clinic that is held each year in celebration of life.

I had a few decisions to make with my cancer; one being whether or not to have my breast removed or a lumpectomy. Considering the fact that my cancer area was so small and didn't go into the lymph nodes I chose a simple lumpectomy. I am happy that I did. I also had to decide if I wanted any type of hormone therapy. After speaking with my physician at Mayo Clinic and hearing the options I opted not to have additional therapy because the percentage rate (recurrance) was less than .5% and I do not want to put chemicals of any sort that I feel are not necessary in my body due to the fact that we have such a balanced system the way it is.