> Phyllodes tumor > Stories

My unwelcome discovery

Last April (2018)l I woke up on my stomach with a pain in my left breast. Upon examination, I felt a large, strawberry-sized lump. I immediately met with my PCP, followed by a mammo, ultrasound and biopsy. Pathology determined it was a malignant phyllodes tumor and I was directed to a surgeon for a lumpectomy. In the three weeks between that morning discovery and the first of two surgeries, it had aggressively grown to the size of a ping pong ball. Pathology of the tumor advised another surgery to remove additional tissue. It was also advised I receive a course of radiation afterward, but I hesitated given that I'd read in the limited studies on phyllodes, the jury was still out on benefits vs risks. I also had no health insurance at the time and had been paying all the substantial bills with cash. In October, I was able to get insurance and went ahead with the radiation. The radiation really affected my already compromised immune system (I have Celiac Disease) and I had two consecutive UTI's and an abnormal PAP. I'm a healthy eater, non-smoker, limited drinker of alcohol and stay relatively active, so I don't really understand WHY? other than life is just a crap shoot. My six month mammo was negative (whew) and now I'm in the waiting queue for the next ball to drop, but trying to stay positive.

World map of Phyllodes tumor


Find people with Phyllodes tumor through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Phyllodes tumor community.

Related books