Erica
My blogs
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Industry | Education |
| Location | Vermont |
| Introduction | In June 2012, I found a mass in my right breast while living in the rural mountains of Ifugao, Philippines serving in the Peace Corps. I was immediately sent to the capital city where a sonogram and several mammograms were competed. A few days later I was informed my mass was probably benign and they didn't believe there was a reason to biopsy. I was sent back to site with the instructions to get a follow up in 6-12 months. A few weeks later, I was in the US for my sister's wedding and In requested permission to seek a second opinion while on visit. My request was denied. I kept insisting on a second opinion in the US and was then told in order to do so, I would have to leave the Peace Corps. So, after 23 months of service, with only 3 months left, I abruptly left the Philippines, and started the process for a second opinion. On September 28, 2012 after more mammograms, sonograms and finally a biopsy I was informed I have invasive breast cancer. I was also informed without treatment, I'd be dead in less than a year. |