Inspiring genuine smiles is something we are passionate about, but did you know that finding a cure for breast cancer is another passion of ours? According to breastcancer.org: “about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime”. Our team has been affected by breast cancer in many ways; Dr. Aron’s mom passed away after a long battle with breast cancer in 2007. And we’ve had a few team members who have battled breast cancer as well, including one of our current treatment coordinators, Dee.
“9 years ago I turned the BIG 4-0. My OBGYN, who I will ALWAYS be thankful for as he truly saved my life, suggested I get a baseline mammogram. Please note: I had a breast reduction 18 months prior to this and NOTHING was found in that breast tissue. I have NO family history of breast cancer, had NO current lumps or symptoms, but he said, “lets get one” so I complied…..
First, I received a phone call about a “suspicious area” and they needed a more detailed mammogram. Then a second phone call saying a biopsy was needed. Then the third phone call, the ever dreaded phone call, saying my OBGYN would like to meet with my husband and me to discuss the results of the biopsy. Basically I knew right then…I had breast cancer. We met with my OBGYN a few days later, and honestly I have no idea what the conversation was. All I kept hearing was “YOU. HAVE. BREAST. CANCER”. A very aggressive form of breast cancer. One that if left go, I likely wouldn’t be here today….
February 8, 2012 the journey began…
- I had a bilateral mastectomy, tissue expanders placed and a port for chemo.
- 8 rounds of chemotherapy followed by a year of an additional chemotherapy. I lost all my hair, my eyelashes and my eyebrows….basically I lost my self esteem.
- Breast augmentation (ironic due to me already having a reduction. Needless to say I was not my plastic surgeon’s “typical” patient!).
- Partial hysterectomy with NO hormone therapy since my cancer was Her2 /PR/ER+ (basically hormone fueled).
In the end though, I WON, and I NEVER let cancer define me…
So please, I urge you…GET YOUR MAMMOGRAM, do NOT put it off!!”
Thank you, Dee, for sharing your journey with us! You are such a warrior and we are so proud of how bravely you fought this battle!
For many years now, our office has been helping to find a cure for breast cancer by donating to breast cancer research.
• Each October, we offer a chance for our patients to help in the fight by choosing to do all pink ties on their braces. We donate $1 to breast cancer research for each patient who chooses to do so.
• We offered to donate $1 to breast cancer research for each “like” on this Facebook post!
Needless to say Dr. Aron had to wear a tutu! You can see the video HERE.
• Our team has participated in breast cancer walks for over fifteen years.
• Dr. Aron’s wife, Robin, has participated in the Vera Bradley Classic Tennis Tournament.
It is our hope that a cure is found very soon for this disease, but until that moment comes, we will continue to support the researchers in finding a cure.
