stories of survival

Gina Atkins

On May 25, 2006 I jumped in the shower like every other day, not knowing my life would be forever changed. As I reached for my shower gel, my right arm rubbed up against the outer side of my right breast. I felt something large and sore. Instantly I was panicked. I got out of the shower and could actually see somewhat of a protrusion on that breast. I called my doctor to schedule a mammogram and then called my mom. Since I was only 39 (and the baseline for a mammogram is 40), I had never had this done and I needed mom. She met me that afternoon and I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. A week and a half later, the doctor's office called to say that I needed to have this checked and made an appointment with a general surgeon. He said I needed to have this tumor removed. My mom has a friend that is an oncology nurse and she said I needed to request a needle biopsy. I called the doctor's office and told them this. They said, my doctor said it needed to come out, so I proceeded. On June19, 2006, while I was in recovery I saw my surgeon and asked how it looked. He walked over and said, “Gina, you have cancer." He then walked off. I was in complete shock.

Thanks to my mom, we sought a second opinion. My step-brother who is a doctor, had recently attended a seminar where Dr. Helen Krontiras, Assistant Professor of Surgery, at UAB was speaking. He was very impressed and recommended we schedule an appointment with Dr. Krontiras to get the second opinion. After what seemed like a million tests at UAB, I finally met with my team of doctors for the verdict. In Gadsden I had been told that I had the most curable, treatable form of breast cancer. Now I was being told that was incorrect. I actually had a very aggressive form of cancer. I had a T-3 tumor (that is as big as it gets), I was young (39 is not old in the cancer world), I was hormone negative but her-2-neu positive. These factors increased the aggressiveness of my cancer. Needless to say my head felt like it was going to explode.

My oncologist, Dr. Andres Forero, said I needed to start chemo and began to explain the plan the team had for me. I tried to ask for some firm facts. He really tried to side step the question, but I insisted. He tried to explain to me that I should be thankful that I had my form of breast cancer now (which only about 20% of women have). Of course at the time I could not be thankful at all, but after research I understood. One of the drugs that would be so crucial (Herceptin) to my survival was relatively new and I was lucky to have not been diagnosed before its existence. I began to research my cancer, the drugs I would have to take and so forth. I really feel this was necessary. I was going into battle, and I wanted to be armed with the knowledge I needed. It gave me a sense of empowerment.

On July 26, 2006 I began chemotherapy. I had no idea what to expect. I had read about the side effects, but sometimes they are really broad. It is more of a wait and see how it will affect you. My hair fell out, sometimes I felt terrible, but overall it was not the nightmare people warn you about. I had six months of chemo, began Herceptin treatments in October of 2006, had a sentinel node biopsy (I had no lymph node involvement), had 33 rounds of radiation and had my last treatment of Herceptin on October 24, 2007. After completing a year and a half of treatment, I am grateful to say I am alive and cancer free.

Getting to this point involved so many people. I tried to return to my job at a restaurant during chemo, but was unable. My community came to the rescue. Friends organized a benefit. Family, friends, churches and even strangers continued to send donations. They literally kept me going for almost 9 months.

The incredible staff at UAB was always there for support. My oncologist, Dr. Forero, is simply the most amazing doctor in the world. He is not only the smartest man I know, but he is really funny. I thank God for him every day!! Everyone on the infusion floor is an angel. I don't know how they can be so positive when I know they see so much sorrow. I love all of you, especially Kimberley Aldridge. And I can not forget the patients. Their wisdom and strength was so powerful.

Now, I am excited but apprehensive. I know there are no guarantees, but I feel extremely positive. I know how important research is and I decided to try and raise money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama. I have been given so much and I need to give back. I am happy with the events I worked on in 2007, but I am already planning for next year!!

As for advice, here it is. Don't forget your mammograms!!! Early detection really does save lives. If you are diagnosed it is okay to be afraid, but don't let fear consume you because that is not living. Always seek a second opinion and find a doctor you are comfortable with and who specializes in your form of cancer. Don't be afraid to ask questions. And most importantly, believe in yourself and be a fighter!!

stories of survival

Kathy Kemp

I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in January 2002. Doctors originally thought I had early stage cancer. But less than a month after my lumpectomy, I started having back pain, and a scan showed the breast cancer had spread to my bones.

I was devastated and couldn’t really talk or read about it for several months. By May 2002, though, I was still alive and more comfortable with the diagnosis. I wrote my first Birmingham News column about my situation on Mother’s Day 2002.

Read More of Kathy’s Story