BigBlueBOTTLE

Brian’s NOTE: We all have someone in our lives, or know someone who has been touched by Cancer. Meet my mother, Eileen. This is her story…

I am 64 years old. Starting at age 50, I had annual and sometimes semi-annual mammograms, so I was taking the prescribed precautions. Never did I think I’d actually be celebrating the anniversary of my cancer diagnosis. I am 2 years cancer free, this July 13, 2007.

I love working in the garden, and in late June of 2005, I was doing just that when I bumped my left breast, developing a large bruise. I decided it needed to be checked. My left breast had for many years had a large mass I was told was “only” dense tissue. A mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy were completed by June 30.

Tuesday, July 5th, I received the diagnosis from the radiologist: Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Not “you have an ear infection,” or “you have migrane headeaches.” YOU HAVE CANCER. How do you begin to describe how that falls on you?

I saw the surgeon July 6. Viewing five years of past mammograms, he estimated the tumor had been present for at least five years. He recommended a mastectomy, as the tumor was in excess of 7.5cm. A modified radical mastectomy was scheduled for July 13. Prior to surgery I met with an oncologist for a second opinion, had a bone scan, a CT/PET scan, and an echocardiogram. On July 15, I was given the diagnosis: Stage IIIA/B cancer. I was told that twenty-two lymph nodes were involved (of the 23 removed). Then I was told there was a 50% chance of recurrence in the first 5 years.

FIFTY PERCENT. Think about that. The flip of a coin gives me the probability of my fate.

After the surgery, an aggressive course of treatment was advised. I received 16 weeks of chemo, 8 weeks of Adriamycin and Cyclophoshamide and 8 weeks of Taxol, followed by 30 days of IMRT Radiation. I was then prescribed 5 years of Arimidex. A port was inserted in my chest for infusions on August 15th, and treatment began the following day. I weathered chemo well (I believe it is because I walked 2-3 miles most every day), completed the regimen November 22, and began Arimidex with radiation scheduled to begin December 9. Radiation produced skin lesions and a terrible sort throat and was completed January 19, 2006.

Despite all the numbers and statistics that gave me reason to be scared, the follow-ups have been good. I am not out of the woods yet, but repeated blood tests for cancer markers and CT and bone scans have to-date been cancer free. Most recently, the oncologist said I had a 60% chance of going 5 years without a recurrence. I participate in a support group at my hospital where we share stories and concerns. I follow current developments in the field and question my physician extensively.

Life is not a given. A guest speaker at a seminar I attended said “We are all terminal, but only some of us are fortunate enough to know it.” How true. Anyone diagnosed with cancer is fortunate enough to know to take each day on its own, enjoy all you can, and don’t count on tomorrow. I started working in the garden again, and I have resumed my walking program after a hiatus of sorts. Walking is my way of putting cancer behind me. Each step is one more step away from cancer. I am a survivor.
- Eileen