From Breast Cancer Surgeon To Patient: Breast Cancer Survival Story | Dr Liz O'Riordan 

I had breast cancer in 1990 at the age of 32. Now 34 years later after my dermatology appointment and a punch biopsy on a bump on my scar of my reconstructive surgery site, I was told it was breast cancer consistent with metastasis. I am now on a new journey to deal with this diagnosis. It helps to hear about others experiences. Will include you in my prayers.

I had a very similar journey, but decided against reconstruction from the start because of the complications of that surgery and the fact that I was (and still am) with a loving partner who didn’t care if I was flat on one side. I do still have cording and I do suffer from lymphedema. I see a wonderful OT who helps with my scar tissue and lymphedema. I’ve been seeing her for 9 (!) tears. I was originally diagnosed in 2013…this journey is long, but I am alive and am dedicated to keeping myself in good physical and mental health. I feel grateful for every day I have as my mother died from BC at 48, and I am now 50. I look forward to your book. Thank you

48 year male, dx w/ IDC ER+ Her2- in 6/2022. It’s been a rough journey but am really enjoying your channel. Keep up the good work 🫂

Liz, you are beyond inspiring! Making the very complex breast cancer stuff understandable, keeping it real and just literally bearing all…this is just such an insight into why you do the fabulous and vital job you do, thank you! 🙏❤️

Thanks so much, Liz. Man, you've been through the mill. I'm glad and thankful that you've found this new forum for helping so, so many of us.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. The diagnosis hits you like thunder on a clear day. When I finally realized that I had a tumor, I had no idea what to ask. It changes one's outlook - but thankfully I do what I have to do and then put it aside as best as I can to live life. In my opinion there is no point in sitting around the house and waiting for it to recur or re-locate. It doesn't define me, I don't feel like a warrior - I just do what I have to do. I wish health and strength to all those who are facing this challenge.

Liz.Sorry that you can't work as a surgeon anymore. However you have been such an encouragement to me and many others. Thank you for your great support as it has often been a hard walk. Melanie x

Thank you for your story. You certainly have been thru a multifaceted journey and I appreciate all you now post for all of us ❤️

Truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.

Your channel and content is invaluable. Thank you for sharing.

A lot of love and courage for you as a doctor I can understand you

Thank you so much for sharing your story and all the advice and support you give. You’re my inspiration. 💕

Thank you so much for sharing your story Liz. Jxxx❤

Just discovered you. What a terrific broadcast. Thank you for an upbeat and informative presentation.

I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been through and that you’ve had to retire. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I look forward to watching more of your videos ❤

Thank you for your story Dr Liz and for touching on ILC and cording. I don’t know hardly anyone else who has dealt with both those things so it makes me feel less alone. I’m guessing your recurrence was of the ILC.

Thanks so much Dr Liz , so glad I've found you on here.

You’re amazing Liz ❤

Aww,❤❤❤virtual hugs, you are so brave talking about your journey. For some of us the shock is too great.....

Thank you for sharing your story. What an amazing woman you are! As a breast cancer patient, I can’t tell you how helpful your videos are. I wish you good health going forward and all the best personally and professionally!❤💕

Thank you for saying all this. It's so important to hear the real stories. It is wonderful that so much progress has been made in treating breast cancer, but it can lead to people almost minimising what you have to go through. I wish I had fully understood all the possible problems with reconstruction and reduction surgery. I am in almost constant discomfort . Not sure I would have made the same decisions.

Thank you for what you do.

Liz THANKYOU so so much, a bit overwhelmed & tearfully speechless right now. But THANKYOU for sharing🙏🏾

Thank you for all you do for us Liz. I was wondering if you’re able to give talks to BC surgeons and oncologists about all you have learned from your experiences. So many women I know have difficult relationships with their BC specialists who don’t understand the visceral experience of having cancer. I’m sure it would help coming from one of their own.

I just came across your channel. Thank you for sharing your experience! I worked in the med field for 49 yrs. I have often said that I wish sometimes that provider(s) had to go through what we go through for a variety of procedures and treatments. I don't wish ill for any provider. Many of the things that are done to us, you truly don't know how it feels or how painful etc. Your posts are a so very important! I was dx with diffuse systemic scleroderma 6 yrs ago and 2 yrs ago multiple myeloma. I am not treating the myeloma. Many of things that I am dealing with are very unpleasant and I am not always sure that providers understand since I don't ask for pain meds but I want to be comfortable. Time will tell. Thank you so much for sharing, I am certain this will help many women!

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was just diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with DCIS, grade 3, Ki-67 75%, triple positive. The tumor is only 1 cm and it is in one lymph node. Your videos have given me hope 💓

You are qmzing i had my first chemo yesterday and shaking today needed this thank you

You are so brave and you are helping so many of us, a surgeon who really understands how we feel. Believe me you are so good in your new role as a breast cancer survivor and teacher. The worst part for me about the whole cancer journey has been taking the aromatase inhibitors. If my cancer came back it’s the thing I’d dread the most

You explained very well, what is breast cancer and how cruel this disease, touched for so many beautiful souls, thank you for sharing your experience and helping everyone, this cancer needs urgent cure, but who knows when or will it ever be. Thank you again.

Thank you so much for your videos, I only just found them and have started watching. I was diagnosed with her2 positive breast cancer last year, have completed the treatment and I am currently cancer free. I only wish I had found you sooner!

You are one brave lady and you are wonderful in all do to help and support and inform x

This is fab Liz. Thanks

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate all you are teaching us.

Yr truly a brave and strong beautiful lady. Thank you Dr.liz for sharing

Thank you for sharing your experience A lovely Gynecologist,I knew,an Ovarian Cancer specialist,was diagnosed and died with ovarian cancer It was a shock to all Warm Hugs from Amman Jordan 🇯🇴 The Middle East

Thank you so much for sharing your BC journey Liz. You have a unique insights and perspective from being both a breast surgeon and also a BC patient. I believe your channel will go on to help more women navigate their way through their BC journeys, a life saving gift! Thank you! Xxx

Just found your channel. These videos are great. Super helpful 💕

Because of you and this video I’m making a Dr/mammogram appointment so thank you.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. 😊

Liz Thankyou for your RU-vid channel. I love your clear presentations of a very complex subject. As some one who was diagnosed in May this year, I’m still early in my journey. So far everything has been straight forward and as easy as cancer can be. With no complications and an easy recovery from a lumpectomy and breast reduction. I really like my new breasts. Minimal side effects from radiation, just a little tiredness, and an itchy skin rash for about 10 days. I’ve been on Letrazole for a month. The only side effect so far has been a little more stiffness in the joints that were already stiff in the mornings. I think being 10 years past menopause helps with some side effects, as there was less oestrogen to reduce. Also I am a healthy weight range and exercised regularly before my cancer. Walking 12,000-15000 steps a day at lease 4-5 times a week. Exercise is something I know helps with my mental health, recovery, side effects and reduces the risk of reoccurrence. I think it is important to know sometimes the cancer journey can be complex as yours was. Sometimes you a lucky and it’s easy as mine has been for far. I knew nothing about breast cancer before my cancer. Now I’m so curious. The learning curve has been steep. I can’t learn enough. Finding good evidence based information about breast cancer like on this you tube channel helps you have active informed participation in the decision making about your care. I struggled with the thought of starting hormone therapy because of all possible side effects of both aromatase therapy and tamoxifen. When I found out about switching brands, switching manufactures or taking short breaks from treatment to manage side effects. That was a game changer for me. It gave me a game plan if I need it. I can’t advise women (men) enough to spend the time learning about their breast cancer, owning it and doing what you can to aid recovery and lesson the side effects. The last time I was so interested in a life experience was when I had children. I ended up as a peer counsellor in lactation, then a midwife and for the last 20 years a lactation consultant. Who knows where my new curiosity will take me. I’m too old for a career change, nor do I want one, as I love my job, but I’m not too old for volunteer work. I hope I can inspire others to turn their cancer experience into an opportunity of positive change to participate in their care decisions, to appreciate the things that are important to them, and use cancer as an excuse to cut out the crap in our lives which we all get stuck doing or putting up with. Liz Please keep up the your breast cancer education channel. Your breast cancer may have ended your career as a breast surgeon, but it has opened another door and an educator. It is much appreciated. 🥰

New subscriber- and I just bought your book!

You are so beautiful, inside and out! Thank you for sharing! I have went through a lot of same journey. I will summarize mine, as best and briefly as possible: So in June 2021, basically one wk before my 50th bday, I finally went to my local doctor about a lump! I had ignored this lump for around 6 months. By the way, first I had a small white dot, then within a month I had a lump, which at first I ignored. I think deep down I knew, but i was in denial. This was my left breast. I was referred to a cancer center one hr and a half pretty bad drive, especially the scary mountain, lol.. truth though.. Straight away they did mammogram, which I am ashamed to say I never had, and they also did ultrasound, MRI, soon to follow all these.. several biopsies of breast and underarm were necessary. Pathology was invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2b/3a by end of all painful tests. The cancer had spread to 3 nodes, and I also had multifocal, crazy! I was immediately started on red devil chemo, I forget the actual name, followed by Taxol..total chemo was nearly 6 months, not long after was mastectomy and lymph node removal, and finally was one month of every day very intense and painful radiation. At first I thought I would want implant, but very soon after all extreme suffering, and what I was proud I could endure, I said NO MORE, and decided to go flat on the left side! Fast forward, maybe 4 months , both b.c. tumor markers were a tiny concerning as one was within norm but only 10 pts away from top of that. THe other b.c tumor marker was one mark over normal, which doc considered as nothing, then at 8 months they were both basically just barely in norm, but then at 1 yr testing both were 5 pts over the absolute limit of highest standards averages of higher norms.. my doctors words, but he said it fancier. I had to get full bone scan, and ct of chest, abdomen, and pelvis! EVERYTHING CAME BACK CLEAR! I do have a couple benign issues, I probably need to take seriously, and in fact, doc thinks one to do with my liver caused the elevated tumor markers. I still hope and pray those dang tumor markers go back down, and stay DOWN.. cause as you say you constantly worry, I mean we are only human, even if we are mighty warrior humans!!!

Thank you ❤

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m going through BC treatment and your content has been really helpful. I’m just wondering how many positive lymph nodes you had and whether you had an oncotype test?

Omg. You are amazing.

Thank you for sharing. It's been quite a journey for you. I'm sorry to hear you have had another local recurrence and hope all is going well with that treatment. I had BC 6 years ago, now had double mastectomy. I appreciate it may be a while before you see this posting. If you feel able to share this info, would you please advise if you had tests for genetic factors such as brca 1/2 or TP53. If you haven't had the test, would you please say why and what the criteria is for getting the genetic tests. I was tested and have brca2, but my surgeon apparently had to push to get me the test in the first place. Thanks.

Wow. I just found you while searching Tamoxifen and chemo. I'm seeing a medical Oncologist in a few days and this is in my very near future. What an inspiration to me you have been Liz. So sorry that you have had to give up your career as a surgeon. Will subscribe now ❤

You are a smart and beautiful lady.

Thanks so much for posting this, I will share in my cancer group.. you have been through so much and your story will help so many women like myself who feels like I´m not checking enough or I should´ve been better at finding it. I have ordered your book. Do you think if a tumour is 8mm, grade 2, luminal A, er +/pr +, her2- and no node involvement that an onco dx should be done.. I´m just after having a recurrance but early stage, not sure if done with this size of tumour...

Thank you so much for sharing your story its inspiring but i think i am not that much lucky I was diagnosed in 2018 too and recurrence happened after6 month of treatment and till now i am continuously fighting because in every diagnosis there is disease but thank you really

❤ from Brazil!

Hello Dr. Thank you for sharing your story and veing sich sn encouragement. Would you be able to give advice re occult breast cancer. I am 2 weeks post diagnosis, and I have been waiting agonizingly for doctors to get back to me. Two lymph nodes were removed, which tested positive for breast cancer. Any advice would be appreciated. I am from South Africa. Thank you

I do think you help people a lot still. I don’t think you quite mention enough about current situation in NHS at the moment. I am male so I had a male related problem two weeks ago and I had to check the consultant wasn’t going on strike the ten days after procedure to deal with the possible complications he mentioned during consent procedure. I do think people should check whether their cancer doctor is going on strike shortly.

You’re one brave woman id want to die not live anymore life’s hard enough no I couldn’t go thru it 😢

I do understand your feeling. I have similar story I got diagnosed with stage 3 at age 40 before my viva exam for PhD. My oncologist wanted to start chemotherapy but my surgeon persuaded him to start after I got my PhD. Then the cancer journey started

You are brave, thank you for sharing your experience. Wish i could talk to you about Tamoxifen & my experience...

P.S. I also had very painful cording, but did my physical therapy , worked very had, and reversed that, only to get lymphedema, having harder trouble to get motivated to get rid of it.. the pain has still always been so bad for me.. doing my best every day.. :D

I wishes I saw your channel when I was dx … I would have make better choice in my treatment.

"Just be a patient" (made me chuckle)

Do you still work as a doctor in some capacity? I just notice your in scrubs. Thank you for sharing your story it’s very inspiring. I suffer from breast cysts and last time I went to the breast care centre I was told that it was the sixth time I’d gone with a cyst and I Need to try to work out myself when a lump is a worry and when it’s not. I felt ashamed for wasting their time but I know that’s wrong and I will go back if I need to get checked.

Best wishes prayers to you 🌹🙏🌎🩺

I would love a GEP test this is all new to me I have melanoma on my breast and having surgery on the 18th of Sept w/ radioactive dye also.

Hello dr. Liz I got my breast surgery last august and undergo series of treatment. Suddenly this past months I noticed lympnodes between my pectoralis major and minor muscles. What could be the cause of lympnodes?

Can you please tell about the triple negative breast cancer. I have it now and having chemo and immunotherapy since 4 weeks. I had 1.8cm long grade 3 invasive tumour and 1.6cm long pre invasive tumour. Unfortunately it took upto 8 weeks to start treatment because of doctors strike 😢.

I have a question. I was diagnosed with a very early stage of breast cancer on 12/15/2022, breast surgery on 01/23/2023, when I was determined to be cancer free. My tumor was 0.4 cm (0.157 inch), but it was high grade. I had no pain, no symptoms. Should I be worried about it returning? I will be 71 on 08/11/2023.

I would like to know from you, when you saw the lumps on your breast was it giving you an excruciating pain? We're you having a burning sensation around your breast? Was the pain off and on?

May I ask why You need mammogram after all the brest tissues were removed?

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I see you've had very hard time with all the side effects of surgery and it made you unable to continue working. Since I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 36 I'm thinking if I'm gonna be unable to do my job ( farming and home renovations) there's no point to all this.. Do you think there's an option to consent to chemo and hormone therapy but refuse surgery of the lymphnodes? Do I as a patient have a right to make that choice? I understand it will lower my chances of survival and quicken reoccurence.

Last year 2022 I had a mammogram and an ultrasound. It was discovered that I had a cyst in my breast know I only wanna do my mammogram and ultrasound yearly I feel as though I don’t trust it I feel that I should have something else done.

Hello doctor please Respond to my message I am 20 years old girl and I feel like I always have lumps and masses on both of my breast and sometimes they hurt my doctor don’t think is something to worry about it but I keep having them

Was the reccurance you've had lobular?

Hello. I am 61, a nurse and just been told that its likely I have breast cancer. I have had biopsies and CT scan with contrast. I am waiting to see my consultant at the end of September. I am not sure where to start with finding out about what to expect. I was told I would need surgery and chemo but in what order will be determined by my results. Can you give me any pointers please.

You are very strong but it seems no matter how healthy a lifestyle u adopt , the cancer still comes back 😢why

👍

Can i survive breast cancer grade 3?

I was stage one microinvasive is that bad

I had terrible problems with implant after the radio. Had to be removed

💙🐬

why did you wait to remove your ovaries,isnt that the main problem too much estrogen ???

Thank you so much Dr. Liz for this very helpful informative educational channel with your health teachings discussions ,🙏💖🩺🌎🌹