a SURVIVOR'S STORY

by Julie Borton

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is scary enough, but imagine being 13 weeks pregnant and getting that diagnosis. It was at my 12 week prenatal visit that a suspicious spot was found on my left breast. My OB doctor thought that it was inflamed breast ducts from being pregnant.

However, just to be safe she sent me over to Covenant’s Breast Center to have it checked out. While over there the doctor did an ultrasound which appeared normal, and then did a needle biopsy just to put everyone at ease, so he thought. To everyone’s disbelief, including the doctor’s, the biopsy came back with malignant cells. On February 5, 2007 an excisional biopsy was done.

That is the day that will haunt me forever. The official diagnosis: breast cancer, Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma.

So there I was 13 weeks pregnant and scared not only for my life but for our unborn child, the two girls at home, my husband and our families. What was the next step...termination of the pregnancy, mastectomy and chemo while pregnant or start treatment after pregnancy??? Termination was not an option for us. So we decided the first step was to continue the pregnancy and have a mastectomy. February 19, 2007 I had a radical left mastectomy.

They removed 17 lymph nodes and two came back positive, all of the margins were clear. After a consult in Iowa City with their oncology staff and high risk prenatal clinic the decision was made to start chemo while pregnant. Breast cancer is very treatable and their goal was to cure me and have a healthy baby. I think this was the most positive appointment I could have had while being shell-shocked.

Crazy as it sounds chemotherapy (Adriamycin and Cytoxan) are safe to have and will not harm the baby. The next five months became a whirlwind. Chemo every 21 days at Covenant Oncology, prenatal visits every two weeks at the Rellihan, Weno and Hines Clinic for Women to monitor the growth of the baby.

Other than not gaining weight, there were no complications during the pregnancy. My body handled the chemo well, the hair loss was traumatic for me but it was just another obstacle to overcome. Jonathan was born at Covenant Medical Center on July 5, 2007, six weeks early, with no major complications. He was 5 lbs. 5.6 oz., and 18 inches long. He was in NICU for five days and went home, only to return at 12 days old due to periodic breathing episodes. He spent 10 more days in the hospital.

It is now 10 months after my diagnosis and we have a healthy baby boy. I have completed all my treatments. I am now preparing to have a right mastectomy and a hysterectomy. If I could give any advice it would be to explore all options, know that chemo is possible while pregnant, keep your faith and keep living for tomorrow. I could not have made it through this without my trust in God, and the support of my husband, my family, friends and the community.

I am more than happy to share more details about my experience either personally or view my Web site at: www.caringbridge.org/visit/julieborton To contact me personally, call me at 319-239-0534 or my e-mail address is: bjborton@netins.net

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