Every three minutes one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. But when caught early, the survival rate is 98 percent.
It is why each month we focus on stories of hope like Debra Downey.
Doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer but Downey didn't slow down.
"I never stopped training," said Downey.
She had a lumpectomy, and needed radiation, but because she caught the cancer early she was able to undergo mammosite therapy. It’s a form of radiation that’s delivered to the body by way of a catheter. The tubing has a small balloon on one end. Since 2002, 50,000 women have been treated using this type of therapy.
"The balloon is blown up with a syringe I would say to about the size of a quarter," she said. “The mammosite catheter went in I think the beginning of the third week of October well on November 1st I was signed up to do the Komen breast cancer run."
The radiation is transmitted directly to the tumor site. So instead of needing 6 and a half weeks of radiation, Downey did two treatments a day for a week.
Dr. Beth Hellerstedt of Texas Oncology said patients who undergo mammosite therapy can't have tumors that are too close to the skin.
"Usually this treatment is for patients who have small tumors, who have non-aggressive tumors under the microscope and those with a breast size large enough to accommodate it with good cosmetic results," said Dr. Hellerstedt.
Two years later, Downey’s doing great.
"A diagnosis of breast cancer is not like it used to be," she said.
In fact, when patients like Downey catch their cancer early they have a 98 percent survival rate. Studies have also shown exercise can help. Downey is a true believer in that.
"You need to stay active, stay moving and stay positive because it makes a difference," she said. “I feel like being healthy and active definitely helps your healing. I think you heal faster.”
We’re always looking for inspiring breast cancer stories. If you’d like to share yours send Terri an e-mail.
