Loretta Gholston is familiar with breast cancer. Her mother passed away from the disease and Loretta was diagnosed with stage 0 in breast cancer in 2014 and learned she had the BRCA2 gene mutation. A decade later, Loretta was again diagnosed with breast cancer. This is her story in her own words.
A Family History of Breast Cancer
In 2014, I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer. It wasn’t entirely surprising because breast cancer runs deep in my family. My mother passed away from the disease at age 57. After losing her, I became diligent about my health, making sure to get a mammogram every year.
Testing Positive for the BRCA2 Gene Mutation
When I received my stage 0 breast cancer diagnosis, I also learned through genetic testing that I have a BRCA2 gene mutation. That was a turning point for me. I made the difficult but proactive decision to have a bilateral mastectomy with implant reconstruction. I also had my ovaries removed as a preventive measure.
Follow-Up Recommendations
After surgery, my breast surgeon followed me for just one year. He then referred me to a medical oncologist, whom I only saw once. I was told I didn’t need further follow-up and could continue my care with my primary doctor. For the next nine years, that’s exactly what I did, relying solely on my primary care physician and getting checked during annual physicals. But something never sat right with me. I knew my body, and I made it a point to regularly check my implants myself.
A Second Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Then in 2024, I discovered a small lump near the bottom of my implant. I immediately contacted my primary care doctor, who referred me for a breast ultrasound. The radiologist told me it looked like cancer. I was shocked because I thought all of my breast tissue had been removed.
However, I quickly learned that it’s nearly impossible to remove 100% of breast tissue during a mastectomy.
I also had a breast MRI and a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis: I had stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma.
A Shocking Revelation
When I met with my new surgeon, she asked who my oncologist had been in 2014. I couldn’t even remember his name because I’d only seen him once. I had to call my insurance company to track him down and retrieve his clinical notes. That’s when I discovered he had recommended no adjuvant treatment – no radiation, no chemotherapy, no hormone therapy – even though my cancer had been estrogen- and progesterone-receptor positive. That meant my cancer was hormone-driven, and I should have been on hormone therapy all those years.
Having the Oncotype DX Test
In 2024, after my new diagnosis, my current oncologist ordered the Oncotype DX test to help guide treatment. My score came back as 29, which is considered high. Because of this, I had to undergo chemotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Radiation damaged the tissue around my implant and caused a leak. After three additional surgeries, I made the decision to go flat. No more implants. Just me.
Do Your Research
This has been a long and painful journey, but one I’ve learned so much from. My message: Know your body. Do your research. Get a second opinion. Don’t assume your doctor always has all the answers. They’re human and mistakes or oversights can happen. You are your best advocate.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
