Here is another story from one of our breast cancer survivors! What an inspiring story! We are truly grateful to be able to help women on their journey to recovery!
CG's Breast Cancer Story
"I was at work on Friday, August 15th, 2014 in my classroom when I received the phone call that changed my life. My doctors office called and told me my results were in… I had breast cancer. I was in shock and total disbelief and I thought… I am a runner who doesn’t smoke or drink? I eat healthy and take care of my body? How did this happen? All of that didn’t matter anymore because cancer doesn’t discriminate and at that point I knew I had to focus on the fact that I have two beautiful children, a fiance’ (now husband), and three soon to be step children. I knew I had to pick up the pieces and begin the fight of my life. I began immediately with more tests, scans, and doctors appointments. We developed an aggressive treatment plan of five months of chemotherapy followed by surgery to remove the tumor and breast reconstruction. The last step was radiation which would be followed by a year of lower dose chemo/targeted therapy and an oral medicine with an injection for 10 years to keep the cancer at bay.
I met with my cancer surgeon in September before I started chemo and she gave me more bad news, the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes. I was Stage 3c so I would have to have my lymph nodes removed as well. I scheduled an appointment with a plastic surgeon to discuss my reconstruction options. I went to my first plastic surgery appointment and I left that office in complete tears. I was scared and all I could think about were the scars the doctor said I would have and how many I would have and how my breasts would never be the same. It was more than I could handle after hearing from my oncologist that I was going to lose my hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows, while on chemo. I returned to my cancer surgeon and told her all of my concerns and she said I needed to go see Dr. Miles. She explained to me the importance of having a caring and experienced plastic surgeon that I felt comfortable with. I made an appointment to see Dr. Miles and from my very first visit I felt completely at ease. He went over my options with me and talked me through each one. He set my mind at ease and I can’t say enough about what an incredible peace I felt leaving his office that day. Dr. Miles and his staff have been the happiest part of my journey. Tara always has a smile and has such compassion for all of the patients. She is thorough and organized and has a HUGE heart. There was never any confusion with paperwork or insurance and everything was always handled so I never once had to worry or figure it out. Vicki his nurse is extremely knowledgeable and very compassionate as well. She really put my mind at ease as well and is incredible at what she does. Dr. Miles did an amazing job with my surgery I honestly look better than I did before I had the tumor removed and reconstruction. It has only been 7 months and I am completely healed and the scarring I was so worried about has been a non issue. He did an excellent job and I am so thrilled to have him and his team with me on this journey. My journey is not over yet but I can say with confidence that God truly directed my path to Dr. Miles and his office and I will forever be grateful."
CG
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