October 2009

I Felt Betrayed by My Own Body…   I had no risk factors for getting breast cancer.  That's why I reacted so casually when, after having a mammogram, I received a call encouraging me to return for further testing, followed by an appointment to meet with a breast surgeon.   Even after the surgeon explained the seriousness of my condition—extensive carcinoma throughout my breast with mastectomy as the only option.

I was not there.  Not listening.  Not wanting to believe it.

I remained cheerful and left the office promising to schedule the next appointment.  After all, I am a professional and composure is important.

Then it hit me.  Did he say "cancer?" Malignant or benign?  Mastectomy? 

Dazed and confused and now starting to panic, I called my mother and my husband and simply "lost it."

I had breast cancer and I am the first member on my mother's and father's side of the family to get cancer.  I didn't even know anyone who had cancer.  But there I was with a cancer diagnosis.  I was shocked and scared.

Post surgery, I learned that, in addition to breast cancer, I had three invasive cancerous tumors which had microscopically traveled to my lymph nodes.  The cancer was already traveling.  My only treatment option was chemotherapy, which provided me with the best chance of non-recurrence.  I completed six months of chemotherapy and have been cancer-free since.  That was five years ago.

I am alive for two reasons, thanks to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center:

1)  My cancer was detected early during a routine mammogram.

2) Superior technology detected microscopic cancer cells traveling in my system before I had any symptoms.

The Bottom line?  A routine mammogram saved my life.  It was only my second mammogram.  I had my first one at age 40 and it had been uneventful. I expected the second one to be the same.  I guess we just can't assume that will be the case.

Because my husband's job requires a great deal of travel and I have two small daughters at home to care for, it was a great comfort that I did not need to travel outside of my community for superior treatment. 

All services are available at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital including a top notch pool of dedicated oncology nursing staff, health care professionals and affiliations with important specialized cancer centers!

Did you know…

• This year, approximately 182,800 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.  That's 500 per day!
• A woman's chance of having breast cancer during her lifetime is 1 in 8.
• Your chance of knowing this woman is 100%...I am that woman.

The good news?  The opportunity to help yourself and others begins now!

Please support important services at the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center.  Your contribution will help women, like me, benefit from state of the art treatment and technology in the comfort of our own community.  Your gift, no matter the amount, will fund new state of the art equipment and treatment options. 

I pray you never get cancer.  But if it happens, you can rest-assured there is hope in your own backyard.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

Kim Smith