HER Move journal

FRAN BERNHARDS

My doctor noticed a lump during a yearly physical. After an exam, my surgeon said it was benign but would monitor it closely. Ten weeks later, I could feel the cyst. My surgeon recommended a biopsy, but didn't think it was malignant.

During the biopsy, the surgeon inadvertently scooped out a six millimeter tumor located behind the cyst. It was not visible during the biopsy, discovered only when the removed tissue was sent to the lab. I was lucky it was found because the cyst would mask the tumor in mammograms. It may have been another five years before the tumor grew larger and would be discovered. By then, it would have spread.

I was diagnosed HER2-positive on Dec. 17, 1999 and had a lumpectomy on Jan. 5, 2000. Luckily, there was no lymph node involvement. I had six weeks of radiation, followed by oral treatments, of which I continue to take today.

Many days I don't think about breast cancer, but it’s not far from my thoughts. I am truly blessed to be a survivor and to have a life to cherish.