karlak's Cancer Blog
April 16, 2007
| My Story | Views: 383 |
My Story
My name is Sharon.
I am 65 years old.
I have been married for 48 years in July.
I have 3 adult children.
I have 4 grandchildren.
My story begins as most do. I have a mammogram every year. In fact I have written a poem. I send it to friends to remind them to self-check every month.
In 2006 I had my mammogram done. This time it was different, a spot on the film that was not there the last time. I was asked to come in and have it done again. The report was sent to my doctor. I made the call to come in and see him.
Even before my husband and I sat down, the doctor said that this is what we are going to do. He had already made the appointment with the doctors that would take care of me from then on.
The surgeon and staff (I call my network) made all my appointments from the pre-op to the day I was told I was Cancer Free.
The appointment was made for a Core Needle Biopsy. A sample of the lump was taken, and a small pin was inserted to pinpoint the lump.
The results were sent to the doctor. He was very blunt! You have Stage 1 Breast Cancer. When we were told about the breast cancer we went through all the stages:
This cannot be true!
Why me?
We will get through this!
We had found it early. We were going to take care of this. We were told about a procedure called MammoSite. He went on to tell us that not all women can have this done. I was the right age and had a large breast. The surgery took place on June 7th. 3 lymph nodes were removed along with the lump. A balloon was inserted and filled with saline solution and inflated. This is how the radiation would be delivered, only in the small area where the lump had been removed.
Within a week, I started the 5-day, 2 times a day MammoSite treatment. Because of the distance from our home, we decided to stay in a motel for the 5 days. In this way, after each treatment I was able to rest and not have to worry about driving back and forth.
I was told in advance how the procedure would go. The staff made me comfortable and told me they would be there if I needed them. A CT scan was done each time to make sure the balloon was still in place.
As I lay there with my eyes closed I went to my comfortable place. Here were the hands of my family and friends surrounding me, making me feel safe.
After the five days, it was complete. No loss of hair, just a little sunburn.
I’m cancer free since June 22, 2006.
Having a strong family, and friends support was the key. I never felt alone. The whole experience has changed the way I look at life. Life is short, live it as if it were the last day of your life!
Information on Mammosite www.voicesofmammosite.com
06.22.08 - 
Thanks for your support -
Hey Sherri…
Not sure why I’m just reading this now, but I love it.
Just wanted to say thanks to you for everything you do here, especially the amazing words of encouragement you give others! As I wander through all of the blogs, I consistently see comments from you, time after time.
How’s life all the way back there in AZ?? I’m loving my new life here in Portland Maine, but Arizona will always hold a special place in my heart.
You have a great attitude! Good for you! :-)
Sue
Dear Sherri,
Thank you for your kinds word.. Two years ago I had the Mamosite treatment and loved it (as much as you can love any kind of radiation treatment.) I is a lot less intrusive on the body. My was done in a clinical trail. My breast cancer did come back a year later but not in the breast area it was along my upper left side across the bone leading to my shoulder not in the bone just on it. I had the lump removed and now I am on a drug call Femara. The cancer that might have come back we don’t know if it’s from the breast cancer or my uterus. Good luck with the Mamosite treatments..
Cheryl
Hi!
Your support is very much appreciated. I am glad to be able to read about your experience and to gather strength from your words!
You are a very sweet and gentle soul.
Thanks
Timothy