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Lynda, Breast Cancer Survivor

My name is Lynda and this is my story of how I was diagnosed with two different types of breast cancer only five years apart.

After having my two beautiful children, I decided to get a breast augmentation. Before heading to surgery, I felt a lump in my breast. So, my plastic surgeon recommended getting a mammogram, just to be safe. The test came back inconclusive so I decided to proceed with surgery and have a biopsy done at the same time.

During my follow up appointment in May 2011, I was told that I had Stage I, HER2-positive breast cancer.

Following that appointment, I met with a breast surgeon at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada. They were so great and explained all my options. I decided to go through with a double mastectomy despite only having cancer in one breast. I didn’t want to take the chance of it spreading, so I figured that was my best option. With two young children, I knew I had to take care of my body so I could continue to take care of my family.

After my double mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction, I met with my oncologist, Dr. Heather Allen. She immediately put me on chemotherapy which lasted three months. The treatment was very effective and I had no evidence of disease for four and a half years.

Six months before my five year milestone, I found another lump in the same area. I quickly saw Dr. Allen to examine the lump. That appointment was followed by a mammogram, an MRI and biopsy completed by breast surgeon, Dr. Margaret Terhar.

The whole time, I was not sure what to think…could it be scar tissue? Could it be excess fluid that needs to be drained? Or could the cancer have come back?

The results of the biopsy determined my worst fear; I had cancer… again.

Dr. Terhar kept me at bay with her optimism and explained that it was caught early and I would soon be on the road to remission. We quickly planned to move forward with removing the lump.

After the surgery, we were told that the cancer came back so aggressively that it was like I had never been treated for cancer. Dr. Allen shared that I had Stage II, HER2 negative breast cancer and the best course of treatment would be chemotherapy and radiation.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer can come as a shock to anyone. Being diagnosed twice with two different forms of breast cancer is extremely rare. However, I didn’t let it stop me.

To show all my friends and family that I am a true fighter and won’t let cancer define me, I ran the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure after my first round of chemotherapy for my second diagnosis. Fitness and half-marathons have always been a part of my life, so it was important for me to stay active. I will continue to push through my second cancer battle just like I push through at every race – only this race has a different goal: to beat cancer!

My next battle is radiation therapy. And with the love and support of my family, friends and oncologists at Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, I plan to conquer and come out on top!

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