Kristel Bosworth – Breast Cancer

I had my first mammogram in December 2012. The scan showed a mass so I underwent an ultrasound-guided biopsy, and the results came back positive for breast cancer. On January 11, my surgical oncologist Dr. Michael Reilly at Uniontown Hospital performed a wide excision partial mastectomy. I then met with Dr. Sri Kottapally at Robert E. Eberly Pavilion, (a member of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in association with Uniontown Hospital) for 33 rounds of radiation therapy.

Originally, my treatment plan included tamoxifen, a hormone therapy that would have blocked any remaining cancer cells from growing. But I carry an antibody that puts me at high risks for blood clots, so my oncologist didn't want me to take tamoxifen. He recommended instead a total hysterectomy. My doctor from Magee's Gynecologic Cancer Program had been my gynecologist for years and performed the surgery.

I never dreamed that I would be going through this at 42 years old with a 12 and 13 year old to raise. I thank God that this is something that I am able to handle with the help and support of my family and friends. I am truly grateful to the entire team of doctors and staff who have worked together to help me through this trying ordeal.