Although this story is not being used or featured, thought I would share this story anyway!
Staring straight at her doctor with a strong face of emotion, the only thought running through her mind was, “No, surely not me?”
McGill, 51, said shock was the only emotion she could grasp when told she had been diagnosed with ductcal carcinoma in Aug. 2004, just four months after marrying her husband Ken. Showing no signs or symptoms, she could not understand how this happened because she did all the little things right.
“I just was in shock because I did everything the right way,” McGill said. “I was on a healthy diet and I exercised regularly. I never missed a yearly mammogram and performed monthly self exams.”
McGill had no choice but to fight the cancer and had undergone her first surgery just days after her diagnosis. The linguine shaped tumor made it very difficult for doctors to remove, and after two unsuccessful attempts she was referred to an oncologist specialist at Emory.
McGill waited anxiously for two weeks to see the specialist, but said it was great to finally slow down and really take in what was happening. Everything had happened so fast and she needed this time to think for herself. There were so many options to investigate and discuss with her family.
Feeling much more relaxed, McGill arrived to Emory ready to fight. She remained very positive and was ready to have the surgery that would leave her cancer free.
“It was an amazing feeling,” McGill said. “I went to sleep with breast cancer and then woke up without it.”
The third surgery was so successful that McGill required no further treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. After removing her breast and five lymph nodes the only battle left was the reconstructive surgery. McGill opted for a TRAM flap reconstructive surgery, taking tissue, muscle, and skin from her abdomen to rebuild her breast.
“Healthcare is amazing today,” McGill said. “I had so many reconstructive options to choose from. I had to remember there was no right or wrong, but to embrace the treatment that was comfortable for me.”
McGill was back to work only three and a half weeks after her final surgery. She said her journey wouldn’t have been as positive without the love and support from her family and friends. Women she had known for years called and offered comfort and support, and opened up about their battles with cancer.
“These women were my lifeline,” McGill said. “I had no idea half of these women had ever been diagnosed with this disease. It’s great that us cancer survivors can stick together.”
McGill also said she could not have gone through this without the undying love and support from her husband. She never once thought she would marry again and couldn’t be more thankful that Ken came into her life when he did.
McGill now looks at her life very differently and couldn’t be happier to be alive. She has chosen to embrace this experience and live her life to the fullest. McGill also allows her name to be given out as a referral to talk to women who are battling the same fight that she once did.
“This experience will change who you are forever,” McGill said. “But in some ways it may be for the better.”
McGill continues to see the oncologist once a year for routine screenings. Her family just recently celebrated her five year mark of being cancer free. This is a huge accomplishment for McGill, but said she was ready if anything would arise.
“It’s not that I don’t think about it,” McGill said. “It’s just a normal part of my life now.”
