Letter: Consult physician and avoid cancer

To the Editor:

It is one year ago, as if Feb. 23, that our daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shelly was 28 years old and seven months pregnant at the time.

Her life has changed dramatically in that one year. Kendall was born in April. She is a very healthy little girl. Since then, Shelly has had two mastectomies and completed chemotherapy. She has three herceptin treatments remaining. She is a strong supporter of the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure of Breast Cancer.

When she speaks to a group she says, “Be your own advocate. You know your own body.”

If you notice something that is unusual, consult a good physician. If that physician tells you there is nothing wrong and you are not comfortable with that decision, get a second opinion. Yes, you will have to pay for a second office call. If there is nothing wrong, the peace of mind is worth more than the cost. If, in fact, cancer is detected, start with the best treatment right away and hopefully avoid chemotherapy and all of its side effects.

If this letter will keep one woman from enduring chemotherapy, it will have served its purpose. Again, if you are not satisfied with the first diagnosis, get a second opinion.

Hope for a cure.

Tags: letters to the editor, opinion