“If you feel something isn’t right or you’re not comfortable with the treatment plan, go for a second opinion. I’m so thankful I did.”‐Lisa Shustack
A few years ago, when I was 46, something unusual showed up on my yearly mammogram. So they did an ultrasound and said I should come back every six months for monitoring for the next two years.
For 18 months, there was no change. Then, in April of 2023, I went for my last follow-up scan. When we finished, instead of sending me home, the radiologist came into the room to talk to me. I knew then that something wasn’t right.
She said there had been a change since my last scan. It looked like I had a malignancy in my right breast, and we would need a biopsy to be sure.
I teach nursing at a university in northeast Pennsylvania, and I was supervising final exams when a notification popped up on my phone that the results of the biopsy were back. I opened the message, and that’s how I learned I had breast cancer.
Almost immediately, I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy.
Unfortunately, I’ve had prior experience with cancer. I have twin boys who are now 23, but when they were three years old, one of them was diagnosed with leukemia. He’s doing well now, but he went through almost four years of chemotherapy. So when I got breast cancer nearly 20 years later, it was so hard for our family. “This can’t be happening again,” we thought.
But from the experience with my son, I knew what it took to survive cancer physically and emotionally. I learned how important it is to stay involved in things and focus on life outside of cancer.
Lumpectomy Versus Mastectomy
My diagnosis was stage I invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer was small, about the size of a pea. I knew the data showed that outcomes and risk of recurrence were the same for a lumpectomy, but I felt a mastectomy would give me peace of mind. I have dense breasts, so it’s always been hard to get a clear mammogram, and they were always sending me back for more ultrasounds and tests. I felt a double mastectomy would eliminate that worry and stress.
But when I talked with the surgeon at my local hospital, I got the sense he was pushing the lumpectomy. Then I spoke with the plastic surgeon there, and he said that if I had the mastectomy, I’d have to wait three to four months for reconstructive surgery.
I left very discouraged. I was sure I wanted the double mastectomy, but I didn’t want to wait for reconstructive surgery to get my shape back. So, the next day, I started doing more research and found Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Feeling Supported in Her Choice
I met with Dr. Austin D. Williams, a surgical oncologist, and immediately felt that he was listening to me. He made me feel like I was in control, that it was my choice, and that if I wanted to go this route, he fully supported me.
I also met with Dr. Adam Walchak, a plastic surgeon. He told me that because of the cancer’s size and location, I was a perfect candidate for a direct implant procedure. That meant I could have the mastectomy and reconstruction on the same day.
Even though I was confident about my decision, going into surgery was nerve-wracking. It’s a strange feeling knowing you’re going to go to sleep and wake up looking different.
I had surgery on July 13. The procedure lasted over six hours, and one of the first things I did when I woke up was lift my gown and look down. It was difficult to see the incisions and a big scar across my chest, but the implants were there. It made a huge difference emotionally because I had my same shape. I still looked like myself.
I was discharged the following day and had a relatively easy recovery. I had some discomfort and tightness in my chest but no real pain. There were restrictions on how much I was allowed to lift, but I could get around the house and take care of myself.
I did have to go back two weeks later for a second surgery to debride some tissue around the nipples that had not healed properly. I knew this was a risk for the nipple-sparing surgery, and everything went smoothly.
Back to Work
The following month, I was thrilled when the semester started up again and I felt well enough to go back to work. My husband and I also have a mini-farm that keeps us busy tending our chickens and enjoying working outside.
At this point, I’m 49 years old and considered cancer-free, but there’s still a risk the cancer could come back. That’s where Dr. Anshu Giri, my medical oncologist comes in. He prescribed me tamoxifen, an oral hormonal therapy that can greatly reduce the risk of my cancer returning. I’ll take it for five years.
I’m so grateful for my doctors and for everyone who helped me at Fox Chase. I’m also grateful that I took advantage of regular cancer screenings. Early detection saves lives, and it’s important to trust your instincts and advocate for yourself with your providers. If you feel something isn’t right, or you’re not comfortable with the treatment plan, go for a second opinion. I’m so thankful I did.
Learn more about treatment for breast cancer at Fox Chase Cancer Center.