I my name is Judy Silveira, I am now 51yrs old. This is my story. Since turning 40, I routinely had mammograms which turned out to be fine - at least so I thought. Last year when I turned 50 I went for a mammogram and was asked to repeat the exam. I wasn't concerned because the thought of a problem never occurred to me. Well, that day the examiner asked if I have any problem with my breast, I gently said no. Well, she came back and said we need to do an ultrasound, so I said ok, I will call and make an appointment. She said no, we have to do the exam now. I had the ultrasound and the radiologist was very blunt. She said I am seeing a mass and it could be cancer. So I was sent to a surgeon who performed a needle biopsy - which turned out to be negative for cancer. But since they found a lump we both dicided to have it removed anyway. On Nov 22, 20006 I removed the lump. The next day I got the bad news that they did find cancer(what if i didn't remove the lump). I was overwhlemed and distrauted. No one in my family have cancer. My 83 year old monther is still alive and no cancer.
On Nov 28, 2006 I removed the right breast and two lymp nodes. Today I am in remission and I thank the lord. I had 4 months of Chemo, but no radiation. I am taking AROMASIN. Its sometimes painfull. I started out with pains in my left thumb, then the right thumb. Now my fingers lock up routinely. I sometime have a little sweat but it goes away promptly. I am also feeling pains in my right arms a lot. But its tolerable. I have no choice but to take this drug. My doctor said the alternative could be cancer again. I dont ever want to go through that again. So I will continue to take AROMASIN. Please note: that taking AROMASIN could lead to weak bones so its imperative to take a lot of calcium and vitamin D.
I will be doing breast reconstruciton on DEC, 19 at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I am having a TRAMS FLAP WITH DIEP. This is where they are removing my skin and fat to make me a new right breast. They are not removing my muscle, this is better because I will be able to keep my muscle and still have a functioning stomach. I will keep you guys posted as to my recovery.