I am a 42 year old mother blessed with 3 sons and a wonderful, supportive husband. I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 3/12/14. Exactly 3 months ago like today - on 4/16/14 - I had surgery for a bilateral mastectomy with same day breast reconstruction. I still need 2 surgeries to complete the process. My surgery was a success and I am now breast cancer free! My oncologist did not recommend chemotherapy or radiation, but I did start hormone therapy (Tamoxifen and Lupron). I am sharing my story to let others know that sometimes routine mammograms and breast ultrasounds will not detect breast cancer, especially when breast tissue is dense. This is what happened to me. On 4/30/13, my ob/gyn did a thorough breast exam at my yearly check up and everything felt normal. I felt something different on my left breast around August/September 2013 and I went for a mammogram and breast ultrasound on 9/18/13. All results were normal. However, I was still concerned and followed up with my ob/gyn. She sent me for further testing and, again, results were normal. She advised I take all of my results to a breast surgeon, who ultimately diagnosed me. From the start, my breast surgeon said that my biopsy results were favorable and that I will be fine. He recommended a mastectomy of the left breast. I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy because my mother is a 15-year breast cancer survivor, my breasts were dense, and the mammograms and breast ultrasounds did not detect my cancer. My BRCA 1 & BRCA 2 results were negative. Please check your breasts regularly and see a doctor if anything seems abnormal. Don't doubt your instincts. I now understand how important early detection is. It can save lives. I am a lucky girl!
Lisa Stabile KrugerGlendale, NY
