Although highly variable, according to the American Cancer Society, 95% of women survive one year after diagnosis, 85% are still living after five years, and 75% survive over 10 years. Survival is often based on how large the cancer is when it is found, and how aggressive or fast growing the cancer type is. Women with advanced cancer that has already spread may not ever experience a cancer-free state, but will rather continue treatments as needed to keep it under control and relieve symptoms. Sarah Taylor, of Bountiful caught her cancer in its very early stages because of a sharp pain and the growth of a tiny, hard nodule. She is now a breast cancer survivor of 12 years.

Taylor started getting mammograms at 35 because her mother and her aunt had both had breast cancer. Several years later, while in the process of changing insurance she experienced a sharp pain in the breast that she could not talk through it was so intense. Once she obtained her new health insurance, she went in for a routine screening mammogram. When she told the provider about her symptoms, she was informed that she needed a diagnostic mammogram instead and sent her to her doctor for a referral. Devastated already, she went through the steps and finally the mammogram revealed a little something that they were able to biopsy. When she received a missed call from her physician, she knew the diagnosis before she even spoke to her doctor. With stage one, non-aggressive cancer, they took time to explore treatment options. 

Genetic testing was the first step, likely because of her positive family history. She was relieved when she was negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 because that meant she did not need to consider a mastectomy on one or both sides, but rather could go for the partial mastectomy or lumpectomy. During this procedure, the small cancerous area was removed and the remaining tissue tested for cancer so that “clean margins” could be established. Some lymph nodes under the arm were removed and tested and they were also clear of cancer. 

With her excellent results, Taylor did not need to undergo chemotherapy with its more difficult side effects in the short and long-term. Though she thinks the radiation treatment has shortened a lot since she experienced it, Taylor went to radiation five times a week for six weeks at the Huntsman Treatment Center at McKay Dee Hospital. The treatment was exhausting, she said. “After the first week I started taking a nap every day.” 

The oncology nurse suggested aloe vera application to the area and Taylor escaped the blistering that can occur with the sun-like burning of the radiation treatments. She does now have five small tattoos that she will have her whole life that were used to pinpoint the exact spot to administer the radiation.

Taylor went on tamoxifen for several years after treatment because her cancer was estrogen dependent. Yearly check-ups with her doctor continued for six years, until the need for tamoxifen was outweighed by the possible risks. Now Taylor is back to yearly screening mammograms like many women.

Her experience with treatment was fairly positive. Taylor said the more difficult, extreme cases are often written up online and no one bothers to let everyone know, “I did great.”  She even made “bosom buddies” with her radiation nurses while receiving treatment. She did experience a metallic taste while using the tamoxifen and still suffers hot flashes. Losing some lymph nodes means that she is at risk for lymphedema, which is a buildup of lymph fluid in the hands and arms. She cannot use aluminum-based anti-perspirant which may further tax the area. Taylor has a necklace that she wears all of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She has also supported a half dozen other women who have come to her when they received their own breast cancer diagnosis. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that once breast cancer is treated, keeping insurance becomes more important with a risk of reoccurrence. Staying healthy by keeping weight within the normal range and eating fresh fruits and vegetables is also helpful. Avoiding alcohol is ideal along with tobacco.