Breast Cancer Survivor: Don’t Be Afraid of “The Big C”

Homosassa breast cancer survivor shares her story to raise awareness, urge others to get screened
 
HOMOSASSA, Fla. - Oct. 15, 2014 - PRLog -- When 68-year-old Homosassa resident Alice Dunagan went for her annual mammogram, she was concerned when the results came back suspicious. After a digital mammogram and biopsy, she learned that she had stage 1 breast cancer.

“My initial reaction was panic and fear,” says Dunagan. “I’m of the generation that believed ‘The Big C’ is lethal, and something to really be feared. They’ve made such great strides in treatment in the past few years and after learning all of the treatment options, my fears were quite alleviated."

In October of 2013, Dunagan underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes. After that, she was referred to 21st Century Oncology and Board Certified Radiation Oncologist Jayanth G. Rao, M.D., for radiation therapy to eradicate any remaining cancer cells.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into with radiation because I had never experienced it before, but it was not that difficult to handle,” says Dunagan. “I had AccuBoost for the two weeks, then external radiation therapy afterward. The staff at Dr. Rao’s office made me feel as comfortable as possible, and we even became friends. I had no side effects from treatment and am very pleased with the results.”

Now one year since treatment, Dunagan is sharing her story for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in hopes of raising awareness for early detection and yearly mammograms.

“It’s extremely important to get mammograms every year. In my case, there was no lump because it was deep inside. Self exams are good as well, but the mammogram will show more, and it will show any issues earlier,” Dunagan says. “Early diagnosis makes treatment a whole lot easier.”

She credits her feelings today and her outcomes to Dr. Rao and his staff who made an otherwise negative experience very comfortable.

“I owe most of my feelings today and the outcomes, to Dr. Rao and Jeff VanKirk, the Lead Radiation Therapist, who worked at Dr. Rao’s office,” she says. “He asked me on the first day what type of music I liked. He would bring me rock and roll CDs to listen to during treatment and would sing. He made me very comfortable.”

“My advice to anyone that has been diagnosed is don’t be so afraid of it. Breast cancer is such a curable thing these days.”

21st Century Oncology is located at 3406 N. Lecanto Highway, Suite A, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.

For more information about our services, visit www.21cOncologyMarionCitrus.com or call (352) 746-1100.

About 21st Century Oncology:

21st Century Oncology is the largest global, physician led provider of Integrated Cancer Care services. The company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. The company operates 175 treatment centers, including 140 centers located in 16 states. The company also operates 35 centers located in six countries in Latin America. The company holds market-leading positions in most of its domestic local markets and abroad.

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