Tara Roney shares her breast cancer journey.
Diagnosis
It was during my annual screening that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2022 (DCIS (stage 0) left breast). What should have been a simple lumpectomy, and potentially radiation treatment, didn’t quite pan out. My surgeon wanted me to see an oncologist prior to doing the lumpectomy and ensure that that was the best way forward given the history of various types of cancer in my family. Well, while I am thankful for the referral, I can honestly say I did not expect what would come out of it.
I saw the oncologist, and upon examination, he felt something on my right breast (keeping in mind the mammogram and ultrasound did not show anything on the right). Off for an MRI I went. Low and behold, 6 weeks after the initial DCIS diagnosis, the MRI showed a mass on the right breast (2.9cm). What happens next…well a biopsy of course. Results confirmed that the mass was stage 2 apocrine breast cancer. Yes, apocrine, a rare form of breast cancer. Can’t say I was too surprised at the fact that it was a rare form, as I don’t do things sub-par, it had to be over and above.
Discussions now moved from lumpectomy and radiation to bi-lateral mastectomy, potential reconstruction, and the various treatments afterwards. These are conversations I did not expect to be having; it’s a lot of information to take in and so many variables to consider. Everyone deals with these types of health issues differently, so I took the information and digested it. No tears, no pity party, just the mindset of ‘right, what’s the next step’.
Treatment
Prior to having a bi-lateral mastectomy in February 2023, my oncologist suggested I try a prostate cancer drug as it was shown in some studies that taking this particular type of drug for apocrine breast cancer either helped to curb the growth of the tumour or shrink it. I took this drug for over 2 months. Side effects were not bad, the worst being fatigue and nausea.
After my bi-lateral mastectomy in February 2023, we awaited the results from pathology that would determine the next steps (ie type and length of chemo, radiation etc). Three weeks later we had the pathology report. Results could not have been better; the drug I was on worked! The apocrine tumour had shrunk to a point where it was basically gone. Needless to say, happy dances were happening. Chemo, radiation and any long term medication were now off the table. I could move on.
To Reconstruct or Not Reconstruct
Reconstruction…what to say about reconstruction. Well, it is a personal choice and everyone is different. After looking into it, researching it, and sitting down with a plastic surgeon to discuss it, I decided it was not for me.
The thought of multiple surgeries, and knowing implants would have to be removed or replaced in the future did not appeal to me. The potential of my body rejecting the implants or developing breast implant illness isn’t something I want to tempt fate with. I opted to go flat because I want to be healthy and move on from breast cancer.
I will leave this lifetime the same way I came into it – flat. The decision is one which I am very happy with, I am my new ‘normal’, and I am no less a person, woman or human because of my choice.
Support
Throughout my whole experience, I could not be more thankful for the support of my husband, family and friends; the support and care from my doctors and surgeons.
I am so very thankful for the Breast Cancer Foundation here in Cayman, for their support, kindness, and ongoing assistance. What the BCF does for patients is second to none.
Final Thoughts
Life has a funny way of keeping you on your toes. So many ups and downs, good times and bad, and yet we manage to keep on, well, keeping on. The human spirit is so strong, and yet we forget this in times of despair and heartache. No one is perfect, no life is absolutely perfect, we are all imperfect; but we are amazing.