Kalinda, a TWU student and volunteer for Pioneer Breast Health and Community Outreach, (PBH), recently shared her experience with us about confronting breast cancer at just 18. Below is a summary of the interview:
PBH: When were you first diagnosed with breast cancer? What stage and type was it?
K: I was 18 years old and a senior in high school. I had a rare tumor called a ” phyllodes” that was cancerous. This type of tumor is usually benign.
PBH: Is there a history of breast cancer in your family?
K: No one in my family has had breast cancer.
PBH: Did you have a clinical exam or do breast self -exam before discovering the lump?
K: I was at my yearly woman’s exam, and my doctor noticed a “cyst”. I was told to stop drinking caffeine drinks (I never drank them) and to come back in two weeks. The cyst had doubled in size when I went back. I had a sonogram, and it confirmed there was a growth. I had to have a biopsy to determine if it was cancerous. It was.
PBH: How did you react to the news?
K: I was shocked! Sometimes, I still feel like it was a really bad dream. I was scared when I was told about the surgeries and recovery. I was nervous about going back to school, and I was devastated that I couldn’t play softball anymore. I had dreams of playing college ball and it all came to an end very quickly. It felt like I was on a roller coaster of emotion.
PBH: What course of treatment did you receive (i.e., lumpectomy, mastectomy)?
K: I had a full right mastectomy. After the first surgery ,the next one was for a skin expander to prepare my body for an implant. My surgeon would fill the expander with saline through a port every few weeks until my skin was large enough for an implant. After the implant surgery, I had follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon for the reconstruction. These included a number of surgeries.
PBH: Did you have a particular family member or friend who was especially
supportive during this time?
K: Everyone was so supportive it was unbelievable. I woke up after my initial surgery and the room was filled with balloons, huge cards, flowers, teddy bears, signs, etc. I never would have guessed that so many people were pulling for me! I was a varsity softball player, and when I attended the first game after my surgery as a spectator, all of the female players had pink ribbons in there hair! Even the baseball players had pink ribbons in their shoes. That was another touching moment that will never be forgotten! My mother was so strong through it, and I think I actually made her a stronger person too. I remember at one doctor’s appointment she was squeezing my hand so hard and just asking for peace to be with us. I would always ask her not to cry because it was a chain reaction for me. My famous words to her through this rough time were, “I’m a soldier.” I told myself if I stayed positive and kept that running through my head I would be as strong as a soldier.
PBH: What was your reaction when your doctor said you were cancer-free?
K: I was relieved but still nervous. I was scheduled to come in every three months for the next year for checkups that included x rays and blood work. I grew to really trust my doctor. He became one of my best friends through it all.
PBH: Your cancer was found through a clinical breast exam. What message do you want to share about early detection?
K: Do your breast self exams and have a clinical breast exam! No one is invincible, and anything can happen to anyone at anytime! Now that I have been a survivor for five years, I can truly say the experience has changed the way I view life.
PBH: What advice would you give to other women who may be going through the same experience?
K: Stay strong whether you turn to friends, family, support groups, or religion. Find something that keeps you strong and something that helps you keep believing.
******************************************************************************************************
Are you a survivor or a co-survivor with a story you’d like to share? Please email us at healtheducation@twu.edu or Joomen@twu.edu.
Participant in the 2008 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Plano. Photo by Dr. Jody Early
