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PhunkyMonk shared an experience
Decision Point: I had a bilateral matectomy with tissue expanders inserted.
The pathology report came back with information I really didn't want. One of the tumors was aggressive, so the medical oncologist is suggesting a short course of TC chemotherapy. The other tumor wasn't entirely removed (positive margin) so they are suggesting radiation as well. I honestly thought that I would have the surgery and then take Tamoxifen for the next five years and then it would be over.
Since I am only 35, the recurrence rate is high, thus both the radiation and chemo.
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PhunkyMonk shared an experience
Procedure or Surgery (Double Mastectomy)
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PhunkyMonk shared an experience
Oh No (Diagnosed): In may of 2011, my OBGYN suggested that I have a mammogram as well as genetic testing for the breast cancer gene. I looked at him and emphatically declared that I was too young for breast cancer (35) and that knowledge of the fact that I had the gene would in no way affect my life. I could be diagnosed with cancer with or without the gene, so why worry unnecessarily?
In September 2011, I noticed a defined lump in my left breast, and in October, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. Two IDC tumors were found, one resting in DCIS. I submitted to having the genetic testing done--I don't have the specific breast cancer gene, but I am the seveteenth woman to have a specific genetic mutation that currently has an unknown relationship to cancer.
Looking back, I realize that the genetic testing and mamogram would not have shown cancer, but I do see the irony in my belief that cancer could not affect me.
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PhunkyMonk started following
User: GregP_WN