Breast Cancer
The story below describes how HER connection provided educational and supportive information for someone whose life has been affected by cancer. By enrolling in HER connection, you too will have access to important information that may help you take an active role in your own care.
Sylvia, Breast Cancer Patient
In the past I got an annual mammogram, and over the years I have had a couple of needle biopsies because they thought they saw something, but they always came back negative. My doctor did stipulate that I should continue to have a mammogram at least once a year, but there was no breast cancer in my family that we ever knew of, so I wasn't really too concerned. This time I waited two years for my next mammogram.
After my appointment, the doctor's office called back and said there was a suspicious area that they were concerned about and they wanted to check it again, so I scheduled an appointment for another mammogram and an ultrasound. This time when they sent the results back to the doctor he sent me on to a surgeon and it was the surgeon who first used the word "cancer". He said the tumor was very close to my chest cavity and after a needle biopsy, it was confirmed that it was cancer.
On March 13th I had surgery to remove the lump. I thought okay, it's breast cancer. Let's get it done. Whatever we need to do, let's just get it done. It's going to be spring. I live on the farm. I love being outside. I didn't want this disease interrupting my lifestyle. I just decided that I was going to do whatever I needed to in order to get through this.
Then I went to the oncologist and they did further testing and that doctor told me I had tested HER2 positive and that I was going to need more extensive treatment than they originally thought.
HER connection really helped me understand what all this meant. The questions provided in the Care Team Discussion Guide helped me know what to ask my oncologist. And the e-mails were very useful. I would go back to my oncologist and I'd say, I've been reading about this or that and then we'd talk about it. I felt more informed because of HER connection, and being informed is so important. When you first find out you have breast cancer you're scared, you don't know what the future may bring. But most of all you've got to stay positive and be informed.
I still plan on being here for a long time and continuing to do what I'm able to do as long as I'm able to do it. I'm just trying to live my life the best I can. Yes, there are going to be days I don't feel good and I don't care to do much. But I still go out and check my cows, and do what I have to do. I'm active on the farm and I've got animals that depend upon me. I've got seven head of horses and I raise a few dogs. And it just gives me a reason to live—because they depend upon me.
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