October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we’re shining the spotlight on survivors all month long. Cindy Hayse shared her story below.

1. When were you diagnosed and at what age?

I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma this August at age 51. I went in for a routine mammogram on July 25, and they called me with the news on August 2.

2. What stage were you diagnosed with?

I was at stage 1b/2a. There are many things that go into what stage cancer is in. Mine went into stage 2, mostly because of the size of the tumor. It was 2.5 mm, which is about 1 inch.

3. How was the cancer initially detected? (i.e. through a BSE, a CBE or an annual mammogram)

Because of my family history, I get annual mammograms and do monthly self-breast exams. This cancer was detected through my annual mammogram. It was further back toward my ribs, so I would likely not have been able to feel it for a while. Thankfully, getting the mammogram every year likely saved my life.

4. How did you feel when you first received the news?

I was actually not surprised when I received the news. The day before I had a diagnostic mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. They called me the next day and told me that it was breast cancer. I had a feeling it was. With my family history, I had always felt like it was only a matter of time before it was my turn. It was still hard to hear and I cried. But I quickly turned to, “Okay, what’s the next step?”

5. Is there a family history of breast cancer?

I have a large history of many types of cancer in my family, but especially breast cancer. My mom, grandma, and great-grandma, and also my aunt (mom’s sister) have all had breast cancer. I did the genetic testing and don’t have the BRCA1 mutated gene. My mom, grandma, and aunt have not been tested. I have 2 cousins on the same side that do have the BRCA1 gene. My mom and aunt were in their 60’s when they were diagnosed, both are still alive. My grandma was exactly my age when she was diagnosed. She had a radical mastectomy which saved her life. At that time, they didn’t do reconstruction of the breasts.

6. Did you have a support network? If not, how did you overcome it or find it?

I have family and many friends who have gone through this exact same thing. So I feel like I have a huge support network. If I have any questions, I have many people to talk to because they experienced it and I walked through it with them. I feel very educated about the entire process because of that and because of the work I have done with the American Cancer Society. I have been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for over 23 years. My goal has been to raise money to fight against cancer. Because of the money raised and the research done, the treatments I am receiving have saved my life.

7. Tell us about your treatment process.

I had 2 choices of treatment. I could have had a lumpectomy to remove the cancer. The tumor was large enough that I would have had to have 6 months of chemo to shrink it before having surgery and then radiation afterwards. Because of my family history, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I am at the beginning of that long journey. On September 14, I had surgery. They removed my breasts with a skin-sparing mastectomy, then with reconstruction they put in tissue expanders. I will go in weekly for saline fills until they are completely filled. I will go in for another surgery after that where I could choose to have implants put in. Instead of implants, I chose to have a DIEP Flap procedure where they will take fat tissue from my stomach to create my breasts. Then they will still be my own tissue and I won’t have foreign objects in my body. It’s a more complex surgery, but better in the long run. That surgery will be several months from now. I will most likely not have to have chemo or radiation by going this route. I will probably have to do hormone therapy. This is usually a drug called Tomoxifin that is taken for 5-10 years. Unfortunately, with this drug there is an increase in the changes of getting Ovarian Cancer which is also in my family. We will probably take a look at removing my ovaries at some point so that won’t happen.

8. Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how did you overcome these obstacles?

Before my surgery even started, they had trouble getting the breathing tube down my throat and in the process, lacerated my throat. An ENT had to come put stitches in before they could start the surgery. So I had not only the pain of the mastectomy, but what felt like the pain of a tonsillectomy also. I also had my drains in for about 2 weeks, which was very uncomfortable, but those are normal. I have a pretty high threshold for pain and a positive attitude and lots of faith, so that helped me get through these first couple of weeks. (My drains came out this morning!)

9. How long have you been in remission or cancer free?

I guess technically I can officially say I was cancer free on September 14 when I had the surgery. My margins were close, but clear, the lymph node was negative (they always take one lymph node to check,) and the other breast was benign. So I went into surgery with cancer and came out cancer free!

10. What message would you like to provide women in the community?

Get those mammograms! Don’t put it off! As soon as you are allowed or insurance will pay for it, please get mammograms as often as possible. I was able to do it yearly because of my family history, but push to get it as soon as you can and as often as you can. Also, do monthly self-breast exams. I had a scare 10 years ago from a lump I found doing an self-exam. It was benign, but if it hadn’t been, I would have caught it early. The best time is right after your period. You can do it in the shower and/or lying down. Early detection is key to treatment and survival. You have to be an advocate for yourself when it comes to your health. Don’t wait for a doctor to tell you to do something. There are many resources available to learn more about breast cancer and cancer in general that you can check out also.

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