We continue along in our ‘Why We Walk’ series with the survival story of Karyn McCann, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer at a young age.
Her message: Remember to find a reason to smile every day. Stay positive and surround yourself with positive people to keep your spirits up. If you can get up and go out – do it.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Karyn McCann. I am 42 years old, and I have a 22-year-old daughter and two grandsons, ages three and 18 months. I served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, and I have lived in six different states. I currently work in mortgages and love what I do. I met my husband in Florida and I’m blessed that he has continued to support me throughout my journey.
When were you diagnosed with breast cancer and how old were you?
I was diagnosed in January, 2001. I was 28 years old.
What stage were you diagnosed with?
I was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer – a phyllodes tumor.
According to breastcancer.org, phyllodes tumors of the breast account for less than 1% of all breast tumors.
How was the cancer detected?
It was detected at my annual exam.
What were your primary concerns after being diagnosed?
I thought about long-term issues. Could the cancer be contained? Could the cancer return? How will this affect my daughter and my family?
How did you cope with this news and how did your family react?
My daughter was upset. I didn’t have most of my family in my life at the time, so it was mostly my friends who helped me through the process. I took it one day at a time and my daughter and I focused on the positive things in life.
Explain your treatment process.
Initially, doctors didn’t know what the mass was. They began with a needle biopsy that came back inconclusive. The doctor went over all of the things it could be and mentioned phyllodes tumors, but stated – ‘it can’t be that because you are too young.’
After the needle biopsy, I was scheduled for surgery to remove the mass and perform testing. I received a call on a Thursday that the initial results said there was no malignancy. However, I got a call the next Monday that the final results were in – and it was indeed a phyllodes tumor with malignant cells. I had to go back to the hospital for another surgery right away to remove additional cells in order to prevent the tumor from growing again.
[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Enjoy every day like it was your last and don’t spend time being angry. Remember to find a reason to smile every day.”[/pullquote]
What obstacles did you face during your treatment? How did you overcome them?
There was no ongoing treatment. Luckily, I did not have to go through chemotherapy or radiation.
According to the American Cancer Society, malignant phyllodes tumors are different from other types of breast cancer, due to the fact that they typically do not respond to hormone therapy. They are also less likely to react to chemotherapy and radiation procedures.
However, every time another new mass would form, I would have to have a lumpectomy. In total, I had nine lumpectomies. After my ninth procedure, I finally went two years without any masses reoccurring.
Unfortunately, I had several masses appear in a short time period in 2009. I was referred to a surgeon at my annual appointment and they recommended a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I did not take his advice at that time, however. I did go back to the surgeon a year later because yet another mass was found. This brought the total to four masses.
Due to the increase in masses and the surgeon’s advice, I decided to go through with the bilateral mastectomy. Afterwards, my husband and I went through the process of getting insurance approval and I met with a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction. The reconstruction was a long, painful process that I am gladly past. The biggest obstacles were the many surgeries and the toll it took on my body.
How has breast cancer impacted your outlook on life?
I appreciate life every day. I work to be positive and to remind people tomorrow is not promised. Enjoy every day like it was your last and don’t spend time being angry. I worked on repairing relationships and I also made my way back to the church.
What advice would you like to give people about breast cancer?
Not everything is cut and dry. There are variations and one person’s struggles may not be the same as the next person. Remember to find a reason to smile every day. Stay positive and surround yourself with positive people to keep your spirits up. If you can get up and go out – do it.
How can we raise more awareness about breast cancer?
Stay active and participate in breast cancer awareness events. I’ve participated in many activities, including a minor league baseball breast cancer event where I helped make pink bras and then auctioned them off.
Why do you participate in breast cancer walks?
My daughter and I have been walking for more than 10 years together. We walk for my dad, who defeated breast cancer before recently losing his battle with bone cancer, and we walk for me – I’m going to continue to walk until I can’t walk anymore.
*If you would like to share your story or know someone who may be interested, please contact us at social@www.bisk.com.
