Q&A on the Breast Cancer Thriver Journey of Wendy Boyd
What was your breast cancer diagnosis?
My breast cancer diagnosis was HER 2 Triple Positive Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC+++).
When were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed on April 20th, 2019.
How was your breast cancer detected?
I noticed that my right breast had a red rash on it, was itchy, and also swollen. These symptoms came on extremely fast and within a few days (I had been receiving annual mammograms and ultrasounds for a number of years). The cancer was confirmed by a biopsy, following an ultrasound, which also detected thickening of the skin and a tumour (which is extremely rare for IBC).
How did you feel when you received the news?
I felt quite numb at first, not quite upset, but numb. I had no family around me when I was told I had cancer. My husband and children were all overseas at the time. It was my GP, Dr Sook Yin, who took me ‘under her wing’ and encouraged me to stay positive, and I trusted her 100 percent. She drove me to Dr. Tanja Ebanks’ office at Doctors Hospital, and it was there that I received my diagnosis, with my GP holding my hand. The two doctors talked medical jargon which, at the time, went over my head. I guess I was in shock and didn’t take a lot in. All I knew was that this was something I knew I had to address, and fast, due to its aggressive nature. Dr Sook Yin called me every night for a week until my family returned to Cayman.
Did you have treatment on-Island?
If so, where? I had the first part of my active treatment at Health City. It consisted of 6 infusions of TCHP neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which I had every 3 weeks. I had cold caps throughout this treatment. I lost 60-70% of my hair, but as I had a lot to begin with, I was happy to have some left. Wearing a baseball cap became the norm for me.
Following the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, I had my radical right mastectomy with lymph node axillary removal surgery at the Miami Cancer Institute. I also had a prophylactic left mastectomy. A short course of Physical therapy followed the surgery and then I started radiation, of which I had 28 sessions. During the radiation, I then commenced the adjuvant-targeted chemotherapy, Kadcyla. I had 3 infusions at the MCI, then returned to Health City in Cayman to have the final 11.
Who was your doctor?
My local oncologist was Dr. Vineetha Binoy. My breast oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute was Dr. Venkatappa.
Any side effects from medication that you’d like to share?
During the weeks between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy, I fell very ill. The chemo caused me to have an acute gastric problem leaving me seriously dehydrated. I had to be hospitalized for a few days at a time for a total of 6 visits. I also lost 40 lbs in weight and ate very little. At the end of the chemotherapy treatment, I went into Ketosis. I had other gastric symptoms and muscular issues, and found it difficult to sit comfortably due to pain. I carried a doughnut shaped cushion around with me to alleviate some of the pain. Walking was a huge challenge. At times I was wheelchair bound.
How was the support from Family / Friends / Cayman Community during your breast cancer journey?
I am very fortunate to have a strong family and friend network. Throughout my journey, my husband was my rock. He was incredibly supportive and was there for me every step of the way! When breaks in their studies allowed, my children would return home from university to see me. Having visits from friends was a lovely distraction from what I was going through, not to mention the new friends I’m thankful for making, along my journey.
Can you please tell us about your support from the Breast Cancer Foundation?
The Breast Cancer Foundation was there for me right from the onset. The ladies often called to ask how I was doing. When I had my first appointment with my local oncologist, she put me in touch with the BCF, as I was worried about losing my hair. Shortly afterwards, I received a home visit from the Chief Administrator and had a lovely chat. She offered me reassurance and gave me what I’d need to bring for my cold-capping, while undergoing my chemotherapy. She also gave me advice on going forwards with my treatment, and how to stay present, ‘in the moment,’ something I found invaluable throughout my journey. During my chemo infusions, there was always a BCF lady with me to do the cold-capping, and I welcomed their company. It was a long day (8 hours some days), and with someone just being present helped me greatly to get through those infusions!
Once my chemotherapy had finished, I had to go to Miami to get my surgery and radiation therapy. I also started targeted chemotherapy there too. In the days leading up to leaving Miami, I received a Whatsapp message from one of the BCF ladies. She asked how I was feeling and if there was anything I needed to help me on the road to recovery, and to deal with the side effects of the treatments. I thought that was so kind of them. On my return, the BCF continued to support me: I received physiotherapy to regain my strength. This also included some hydrotherapy sessions, which I highly appreciated. I took part in some meditation classes, which helped me to relax and slow down from the rollercoaster journey I’d been on. Counselling also helped me to process what I’d been through. I also benefitted from reflexology, which worked wonders, not only on the area where I had my cancer, but it gave me an overall sense of well-being. Acupuncture helped me greatly with this too. More recently, massage therapy has been incredibly beneficial in breaking up the scar tissue in my radiation area. All these complementary therapies helped me to get through the side effects from my cancer and my active treatments, for which I am tremendously appreciative 😊.
Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how did you overcome these?
My gastric issues from the chemotherapy meant that my breast surgery had to be postponed for 3 months. As mentioned earlier, I was in a lot of pain and struggled to walk. I received surgery in Miami for the gastric pain with the help of an obstetrician and gastroenterologist. Once I’d healed, I was finally able to have my breast surgery. Unfortunately, by the time I had my breast surgery, the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes. However, my fantastic breast surgeon was able to remove it all, including a breast hematoma which appeared overnight and was successfully removed the following morning.
What did you learn/gain from your breast cancer journey?
I learned that IBC is a very rare and aggressive cancer, and chemotherapy has to start imminently. I also learned there are some things that are outwith your control and they have to happen in their own time. You have to put your trust in others to help you get to a good place again 😊.
Any Advice / useful info / recommendations to share for breast cancer patients?
Make sure you get a mammogram! If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, take it one baby step at a time, and never give up! Be aware that there is a superb and extremely supportive group of people at the BCF, who are there to help you. They are absolute ‘angels’!! 🙂
What is life like as a breast cancer Survivor?
Life as an IBC Survivor is different to what it was like before. I feel grateful for the small things in life. The fact that I had cancer doesn’t leave me, but I don’t think about it all the time. I’ve discovered how truly strong I am, not just physically, but mentally too. Being a Survivor has also taught me to be more empathetic towards others going through a serious illness.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
“There is always HOPE” – the IBC mantra 😊
Statement that best sums up your journey.
“I was lucky to have noticed the redness, heat and swelling in my breast, and having a GP, who was able to quickly act upon it, with IBC being as aggressive as it is.“