An Oncologist Shares Her Cancer Story

After putting off her annual screening mammogram for a few weeks, Dr. Reema Batra, a hematologist and oncologist affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital, finally made an appointment despite her busy work schedule and home life.

The 46-year-old mother of two works at the hospital’s David & Donna Long Cancer Center. She treats patients with all types of cancer, including helping many women overcome breast cancer.

“I thought I’d be in and out quickly like I always had been before. But this time it was different,” she says.

After the initial mammogram, the technician asked her if they could do more views. Then the radiologist let her know that they also wanted to do an ultrasound.

“That’s when I started to worry a little bit,” she says.

Testing revealed that she had stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast.

Call us at 1-800-82-SHARP

[phillipevans]

A cancer doctor gets cancer...ironic and scary since she knows exactly what to expect. I'm glad it was found early and she has a favorable outcome.

[tattedup]

My wife was diagnosed today with stage 1. The journey begins to conquer this !

[glendagrant]

I had a stage 2 very rare breast cancer only 1% of breast cancers. No chemo. Lumpectomy and radiation. 6 years all good. Every mamogram and oncologist visit on time. In April my cat was getting out of the windowsill and stepped on my chest. It was so painful I grabbed at the area. No it couldn't be but yes a lump. 9 months after last mamogram. It was left 2 oclock, my first left 1 oclock. I thought maybe scar tissue but I told my Dr. He immediately ordered testing. When I had mamogram and then they wanted ultrasound too I knew. Then it had its own blood supply. It was breast cancer again. But NOT a recurrence. A totally different second primary tumor so near to the last. This time like you I had invasive ductal carcinoma the most common 80%. I am a retired RN but this was not even on my radar. A second breast cancer in the same breast. So then my oncologist did genetic testing. I have a grannddaughter. But was not that gene. Very glad for her. Of couse she still needs to be very aware. I had a first cousin who had metastatic breast cancer and died at 50. No siblings, mom, aunt or grandmother. Just seems so bizarre to me. I have now had a mastectomy which did not heal due to cell/tissue damage due to previous radiation. I had a severe radiation burn. He said 99 percentile of worse case. Maybe that is why.
I had another surgery last week with another drain. I wish I had been fully aware that there might be an issue healing after radiation. I might have had the mastectomy the first time but hinsight is 20/20. You really do have to be diligent. They were right about my first cancer. It did not spread or reoccur. Never ever did I think of another one. Luckily no spread this time either. No chemo. I hope you never ever have to deal with i.t again. So much worse for you young mothers. I always look at the young women in breast center and in my oncolgy office. Way too many.

[singhskeptic]

My wife had TNBC and she was being treated since 2 years and passed away last week ...
I wish we have treatment in future for this aggressive cancer ...

[Reallychris_]

I wish they would require a mammogram earlier than 40. I’m 34 and the way I found out was by having ankle surgery. Post surgery, I was having difficulty breathing. So the nurse told me to go to the ER as it could be a pulmonary embolism. So I went to the Heart Hospital and they did a CT Scan to check my lungs, and thankfully it was not a PE. But they then told me I had a mass in my right breast and that I need to get a mammogram. Which I did follow up with my GYN, she scheduled me with the cancer institute in my area, and it did confirm it. I had the mammogram, biopsy, and surgery to follow.

I also have a best friend who sadly lost her sister to breast cancer at the age of 21. So it clearly doesn’t have an age limit. 💓🎀

[strwb]

40, single mom of 1 and I was just diagnosed this week.

[soumleiypin]

May God Continue to bless you and your family🙏

[mirandawrites]

I was diagnosed with the same a couple of weeks ago> The word "invasive" did a number on me. I do not mind surgery but the thought that it can metastasize while I am looking for ways to treat it drives me crazy.

[Ruby-wise]

This story is also my story…..right down to the very end. I, too, can say…”the mammogram saved my life”!

[ismeykd]

💛I am very much greatful to *Dr KOSUN* for curing me of my cancer and I will continue sharing your good works❤

[PeaceNinja]

Anyone know how to contact her? I have some questions i'd like to ask her.

[Ceerads]

And if a woman has dense breasts, a mammogram may not detect a cancer, so get an ultrasound as well.

[haticebilge]

I had DCIS. After biyopsi, the type was stage 3. As a treatment I choose the same optıon as you dıd whıch ıs partıal surgery. And I receıved radıatıon after. Yes mamogram saves, everytıng cant be seen in ultrasond.

[wendypop]

ive got cancer cells in the lump on my chest and armpit, the doctor was like were can treat this, i had scans biopsy and managram so im waiting on hospital to have what treatment ill be getting she said it mightbe medication or lumps cut out, my bf has been very protective over me

[ohdeergod]

My wife is the picture of perfect health. Runner, eats only organic produce and pasture raised meats. Very low sugar intake. No carcinogenic oils. Avoids any products with sketchy chemicals. Looks 10 years younger than she is. Good blood pressure. Flawless blood work. Perfect BMI. Felt a small lump about 3 months ago and ignored it. Here we are today with a diagnosis of metastatic IDC. Turned out to be 2 lumps with lymph node involvement after ultrasound and biopsy. We do not know if it is stage 4 yet but initial diagnosis looks grim, and aggressive. Get yourself checked BEFORE the first sign. Do not delay, it could cost you dearly.

[brianmurray]

Brest cancer is so sneaky and also men get it surprise surprise and it can come back or go metastatic it’s cruel how it happens and you can feel powerless and just put your hands into the care of oncology teams hoping for the best for all cancer survivors

[amya]

Radiation therapist who treats cancer, and ended up a patient myself who got radiation.

[drankitaschannel]

Hello.. doctor..how r u now..my mom also have similar condition as u told

[roseannesoria]

Hi I just had a full hysterectomy done in April turns out that my 2 ovaries were diagnosed with cancer stage 2 my surgeon doctor prescribed me letrozole I take these everyday..Has anyone taken or heard of this medication?And does it work, how you feel with this medication?And does it works for cancer doesn't come back or spread anywhere else I'm scared for it coming back 😢

[elena-itxs]

Hello Dr. I was just diagnosed with the same. Just had my lumpectomy 10’days ago. I was told I also will need radiation therapy. Did you have that? Also I am awaiting the oncotype test results.
Also, are you taking tamoxifen or one of those estrogen suppressing drugs?
Thank you.
PS. My cancer is 100 % estrogen receptive and 7% progesterone receptive.