Cancer X 4

The lump in my left breast was discovered by my PCP. She sent me for another mammogram, followed by a needle-core biopsy. The results showed malignancy and surgery was scheduled. I had a lumpectomy. Then chemo and radiation and finally, “no evidence of disease.”

I was 58 years old, living in Rhode Island and not surprised by the diagnosis. My family history was full of cancer; I had lost my father when he was 54 to lung cancer. My paternal grandfather, also. My maternal aunt and paternal aunts had both had breast cancer. So, I felt like my destiny had been fulfilled and now it was over, and I could move on with my life.

Twelve years later, a routine mammogram found another lump, this time in the other breast. Another needle biopsy showed a new malignancy. This time I was shocked and surprised but determined to get through this again. I had the same doctor and surgeon, and that boosted my confidence. I had another lumpectomy, but pathology determined that although I needed another surgery to obtain clean margins, I would not need either chemo or radiation again.

By now I was living in Florida, and being followed by a large group of specialists, including an ENT surgeon. I’d had some inflammation issues, with rheumatoid and osteo arthritis and, once, swollen facial glands, so he was seeing me every six months. The doctor found a large nodule on my thyroid, sent me for imaging, then I had another needle biopsy. The diagnosis was papillary cancer. Surgery followed to remove my whole thyroid. I was then treated with a radio-ablation and went on daily thyroid hormone replacement.By now, I was seeing a cancer specialist, and because I had smoked earlier in my life, had been diagnosed with asthma and COPD. I was seeing a pulmonologist by then and taking some medications to help my breathing. He wanted chest CT scans every three to six months.

In 2015, three years after the thyroid cancer, a nodule was seen in my right lower lung lobe.I had no symptoms beyond the asthma and COPD which were well controlled by medication. I then had a needle biopsy of the lung nodule, which showed malignancy. I also had an allergic reaction to the CT iodized contrast medium, so going forward that could not be used without heavy prior medication and observation. I was scheduled again for surgery, to remove my entire right lower lobe. I had the surgery, spent five days in the hospital, then waited for the pathology report. Initially, it showed a fairly common adenocarcinoma nodule and then another smaller one was seen, that was initially diagnosed as small cell lung cancer. Plans were made for concurrent chemo and radiation. I was told my hair would fall out. I felt like I was on a spinning whirlwind of plans, information, meetings with specialists, securing rides, and attending classes and hardly had time to think about the implications of having the disease of my father and grandfather.

The day of my first chemo/radiation treatment, a friend drove me to the clinic. First, I met with my cancer specialist. She breezed into the room with a big smile, and I was confused by that. But she told me immediately that she had disagreed with the diagnosis of SCLC and sent my case to the weekly tumor board, who reviewed my case. The group of cancer physicians, surgeons and pathologists determined that the second tumor found was actually a rare neuroendocrine carcinoid. That diagnosis also confirmed that I would not need chemo or radiation after all. The surgical removal of the whole lobe was all that was needed. I left with my friend, stunned and grateful, and once again, surprised at my luck of avoiding the worst possible effects of cancer. Once again, I would live.

I’m now 82 years old and live in Maryland. The last cancer diagnosis was seven years ago. I’m followed closely by an oncologist and other specialists. I have routine CT scans of my lungs, annual mammograms and blood tests for cancer markers. I have had two genetic workups and was found to be free of any cancer mutations, which is good news for my daughter and granddaughter. There’s no moral to my story, except to say I’m grateful for good doctors and modern medicine.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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