A Cancer Survivor Speaks

To the Editor:

As a breast cancer survivor approaching one-year cancer free, I read “Network of Caring for Breast Cancer Survivors” with interest. I’d like to say to Chris Dzujna, “Kick It! And, in addition, to being positive, be resolved, be strong. For Chris and other survivors who wish to be informed, I recommend After Cancer by Wendy Harpham, MD.” I felt sorry for Chris that she felt that her doctors had her half buried. My doctors, Robert Cooper and Vijay Patil, both on Danbury Hospital’s Cancer Advisory Board, made it clear to me that survival rates do not apply globally to patients. Much depends upon the pathology of the cells and each person’s immune system. My doctors’ support and willingness to educate me made me stronger.

Nothing can make you an advocate like cancer can! I now look for opportunities to educate women about cancers of the breast versus “breast cancer,” together with marketing/press devoted to mammograms, leads those who are casually informed about the disease to believe that they are looking for one disease... primarily through mammograms. It is not intentional, but it is misinformation. Women need to know that not all cancers of the breast can be detected via mammograms. My 8 cm tumor was not detectable by mammogram or medical exam. An ultrasound to investigate the subtle symptoms reported to my doctors (over 10 years)  may have revealed the malignancy earlier. They didn’t suggest it and I didn’t know to ask. The growth pattern of lobular breast cancer (other cancers of the breast) may not produce a tumor dense enough to be detected by radiographic means.

Breast self-exam/breast self-awareness is vitally important because, according to surgeon Vijay Patil, MD, a cancerous tumor can double its size every 90 days. Finding, identifying, removing and treating it early makes treatment more effective. Women must self-advocate; know their breasts, report even subtle changes, and demand screening for them. If you mention something to your gynecologist, it should be investigated… his/her pat on the hand won’t provide comfort 5 years down the road with lymph node involvement.

To educate yourself on the various types of cancers of the breast, read Dr Susan Love’s Breast Book. If you wait until you have a diagnosis, trust me, you’ll be distracted. www.astrazeneca.com has a lengthy list of links to Internet sources. Avon has a terrific bulletin board. www.imaginis.com and www.ibreast.org offer live chat/email newsletters. Ann’s Place in Danbury offers great support.

When asked about the link between diet and breast cancer prevention, Dr Cooper said he believes that diet most affects the breast during developmental years, ages 10-20. That’s sobering news when you’re 46 and undergoing chemotherapy.

So, mothers… take care of your daughters. Women… take care of yourselves.

Marty LaMarche

161 Taunton Hill Road                        May 12, 2001