Peter H. Gott, M.D.: Cancer survivor walks long road back to health

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a breast-cancer survivor.

My problem started in July 2001. My back was in severe pain.

Six and a half months later, I could not walk.

An MRI proved that I had a tumor in my T-9 vertebra, and the vertebra was cracked and causing spinal-cord injury. The vertebra was removed.

The original site of the cancer was in my right breast. The tumor in the breast had spread to my spine.

I was asked how long I had the dimple in the right breast. Having large breasts, I ignored this dimple for a while, until it spread and I couldn’t walk.

I had spinal surgery, a mastectomy, two rounds of radiation and seven months of chemotherapy. I went back to work in January 2003, one year after everything.

I am considered handicapped, and, although I can walk, I have extreme nerve damage and can’t do a lot of things I used to. But I’m alive.

So, readers, please demand that further testing be done on you – maybe even an MRI.

Dear Reader: I am publishing your letter as a testimonial to your courage and positive attitude. I am sure you have had your down moments, but I respect and admire you, so I will share your experiences with my readers.

Your message is worth reaffirming: Women of any age should report any changes in their breasts to a responsible medical professional.

Such changes include dimpling, alteration in skin color, asymmetry, painful areas, nipple discharge, lumps and other less common signs of breast malignancies.

Also, women should remember that standard mammograms are not 100 percent accurate; they can miss certain breast malignancies. Therefore, if you have symptoms and your doctor favors waiting, override his or her opinion and go for further testing, including ultrasound (with or without biopsy) and MRI.

Thank you for reminding us that early cancer detection is a priority that can be lifesaving.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my health report “Breast Cancer and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.