I have read much recently about developments in breast cancer screening, genetics, and proteomics. With all of the publicity, one would think we are on the brink of a cure. However, breast cancer is not one, but many diseases under the same heading. I was reminded of this when talking with a young woman about the treatment recommended for her aunt. The woman could not understand why, if the cancer was just in one breast, the doctors said the protocol was to remove both. The aunt had invasive lobular cancer - a type that is more likely than most to spread to the other breast, therefore the recommendation to remove both breasts at once.

I had invasive ductal carcinoma, but that's not the whole story. I was also Her2Neu negative, and estrogen and progesterone receptor positive - you can see the combination possibilities.

I mention this because it is another reason women should take control of their own healthcare, ask questions, get second opinions, and not accept the first answers given. This is your life - you deserve to live it the best way possible and that means making your own decisions about treatment - after you've thoroughly researched the alternatives.

 

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