SALUTE TO SURVIVORS: Survivor stresses the importance of a second opinion
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ALDER CREEK — Amy Smith of Alder Creek discovered a red spot on her breast. Her doctor did not want to see her since she had recently had an MRI. That’s when Amy sought a second opinion. Four months later, she was diagnosed with right multi-focal IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 2.
When were you diagnosed, what age and what stage?
In 2019, at the age of 54, I was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), an uncommon condition in which abnormal cells form in the milk glands (lobules) in the breast. LCIS put me into a higher risk for developing breast cancer. I was following up with my doctor every six months. In May of 2021, I went for an appointment. I had a breast MRI and was told everything was OK. Within a week or so, I found a red spot on my breast . At first I just watched it, but it began to get bigger. I called my doctor and she told me to put hydrocortisone cream on it. She said the MRI was just done and said it was probably a rash. She did not feel it was necessary to see me. The red area got worse. Again, I contacted my doctor. She told me to send her pictures via e-mail. Again, she did not want to see me. I was not comfortable with that answer. The red spot was getting bigger and I just felt something was not right.
I was talking to a friend (also a survivor) and she agreed with me. She gave me the name of her doctor, and I sought a second opinion. At first, when getting the second opinion, the doctor wasn’t sure if it was anything. However, I wanted to do some testing to be sure. So in September of 2021, I was diagnosed with right multi-focal IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 2.
What was your treatment process?
Two weeks later, I had a double mastectomy. I did not require radiation or chemotherapy. I will be on medication for at least the next 10 years due to being hormone and progesterone positive.
What message would you like to provide others in the community?
Overall, I feel very lucky. During testing for breast cancer, it was also discovered that I had thyroid cancer. Had I not sought a second opinion, the outcome of both cancers could have been much worse. I would like people to know it’s OK to get a second opinion. Also, trust your gut. If you don’t feel something is right, go get it checked and please get your annual mammogram. It could save your life.
Are you a breast cancer survivor, or do you know someone who is? As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Daily Sentinel is saluting survivors in this daily feature throughout October. To be featured, email Pam Sperbeck at PSperbeck@RNYmedia.com
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