Watch her video. She explains how misunderstood it is and how she herself did not realize you can get MBC even after having mastectomies. Put it in youtube or just google Holly Kitchen and MBC. Many of you may have seen it, others may have not.
Holly Kitchen (MBC Video): Watch her... - SHARE Metastatic ...
Holly Kitchen (MBC Video)
I have MBC 10 years after one mastectomy... the site of initial recurrence was in the “tail” left under my arm and it spread from there. Who knew?
The video was informative. It certainly helped dispel myths many people have of this disease. I was saddened to learn that Holley died in 2016.
Yes, she did pass but she made her "mark" with that video that was shared loads of times to educate people on MBC.
Unfortunately many people still have their mastectomies done by a general surgeon who is not up on the latest cancer care. One was recommended to me by my GYN after diagnosis and I consulted with him. Yes, he could do it and I didn’t need an oncologist unless I really wanted one. Thank goodness I got a second opinion! I tell people about my experience because I want them to go to the best doctor available for their breast cancer. Everyone in this day and age should get their initial cancer gene tested and know what their further risks might be. Elaine
Well, I was going to have a mastectomy done by a female breast surgeon. She was not a general surgeon but then after testing, it was found to be stage iv so then I was sent from the breast cancer center to the cancer center around the corner where I now go to see my onco since then the whole body has to be treated. May sound very odd....but I at first felt a sense of relief bc I did not really want my breast removed but knew I had to do it.
I’m glad they figured out where you were right away so you did not have to do anything that was not necessary or that delayed your treatment.
Well I went to Maimonides Breast Cancer Center and they of course are affiliated with Maimonides Cancer Center. I was pretty blase about it at the time. Treatment for life didn't really sink in. It was like I was doing a documentary and watching how the cancer center operates until one day when I had to go (I go again on Monday to see my onco), the cancer center which is much bigger than the breast cancer center, the girl at the desk recognized me and remembered my name. Sounds stupid again, but I was kind of annoyed. I did not want them to "know" me. I think that is when it hit that I would be doing this for life.