Joanne's Story: What I Didn't Know About Lumpectomy and Radiation
Joanne V. LaFrance is a Breastcancer.org Community member in Columbia, California, USA.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 after colon cancer and bladder cancer diagnosis in 2017. My first appt to confirm breast cancer I was devastated, depressed and anxious. So much so, my doctor prescribed an antidepressant. We have a cancer facility here in Sonora, California. One month later I had a lumpectomy; I guess I was one of the lucky ones.
There was minimum information about radiation -- I had the 20-day treatment. Months later, I started feeling the side effects: bone pain under the left breast area, minor chest pain, fatigue. Through CT scans and MRIs, minor damage was noted in lungs and heart area. I was not informed of the side effects of radiation. Today, 09/20/2023, I still have the bone pain and some discomfort in the chest area.
Recent CT scans have indicated no cancer as yet. I have many friends who have had breast cancer; some with a lumpectomy, others full mastectomy. Common subject is the lack of good information from the physicians. Women really need to know what to expect!
I am a quilter. Since my connection with the cancer center, I have started donating quilt throws for cancer patients; it's my way to give them some comfort. I am 76, and will quilt until I wilt!!
