Another Cancer Diagnosis
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I'll bet you didn't know that there are 41 types of breast cancer. Paget's Disease is one of them. It's considered a rare type of breast cancer because less than 4% of all breast cancer patients have it. I noticed months ago that one of my breasts didn't look right. I kept thinking it was a temporary anomaly and that eventually it would return to normal. It never did. In the meantime, I started researching on the internet for what could be going on. After reading up on all the criteria and symptoms of Paget's Disease, I had a pretty good idea that's probably what it was. I finally went to the doctor and sure enough, I was diagnosed with Paget's Disease.
One of the interesting things about this type of breast cancer is that it cannot be detected in a mammogram or sonogram. I had both done in January and they came back clear. Paget's Disease of the breast can only be diagnosed via a biopsy. Treatment is typically surgery: either 1) a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatments and/or chemo or 2) a mastectomy. After consultation with a breast surgeon, I opted for a lumpectomy which was done 3 weeks ago as an outpatient. I was only in the hospital for a few hours and I recovered very well. Today I saw the radiation oncologist to talk about what comes next... 16 radiation treatments which will begin within the next couple of weeks.
My breast cancer was found early and the prognosis at this time is good. Radiation should be a cakewalk compared to the 3 rounds of chemo I had for the bladder cancer. That stuff literally almost killed me. I already have to deal with tests, scans, and follow-up care for the bladder cancer for the next 5 years. Now I'll have to do the same thing for breast cancer. What does my siggie say? Old Age Ain't for Sissies!!! Ain't it the truth!!
And finally, I just want to say: If the women in your life notice anything out of the norm when it comes to their breast health, make them go to the doctor and have it checked out. Don't ignore it. It may look like it could be a benign skin disorder but don't assume that's the case. Have a doctor check it out because it could be something much more serious.
By the way, men can get Paget's disease, too, so just be aware.
One of the interesting things about this type of breast cancer is that it cannot be detected in a mammogram or sonogram. I had both done in January and they came back clear. Paget's Disease of the breast can only be diagnosed via a biopsy. Treatment is typically surgery: either 1) a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatments and/or chemo or 2) a mastectomy. After consultation with a breast surgeon, I opted for a lumpectomy which was done 3 weeks ago as an outpatient. I was only in the hospital for a few hours and I recovered very well. Today I saw the radiation oncologist to talk about what comes next... 16 radiation treatments which will begin within the next couple of weeks.
My breast cancer was found early and the prognosis at this time is good. Radiation should be a cakewalk compared to the 3 rounds of chemo I had for the bladder cancer. That stuff literally almost killed me. I already have to deal with tests, scans, and follow-up care for the bladder cancer for the next 5 years. Now I'll have to do the same thing for breast cancer. What does my siggie say? Old Age Ain't for Sissies!!! Ain't it the truth!!
And finally, I just want to say: If the women in your life notice anything out of the norm when it comes to their breast health, make them go to the doctor and have it checked out. Don't ignore it. It may look like it could be a benign skin disorder but don't assume that's the case. Have a doctor check it out because it could be something much more serious.
By the way, men can get Paget's disease, too, so just be aware.
