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A woman believes her large breast implants helped her identify a serious health issue
Tayla Gardiner, 32, recalls discovering a lump that was later confirmed to be triple-negative breast cancer
Initially, she mistook the lump for a harmless cyst after noticing symptoms in the shower
In an astonishing account, a woman has shared how her substantial breast implants may have played a pivotal role in revealing a cancerous lump in her breast. Tayla Gardiner, 32, first noticed the lump during a shower in January. She described it as “a little lump” that was accompanied by itchiness, which she initially attributed to a cyst or some other minor tissue damage.
Gardiner consulted a female physician who examined her and reassured her that the lump was small, suggesting it might be an infection. Nevertheless, the doctor took the precaution of referring her to a breast clinic for further evaluation— a decision Gardiner now credits with potentially saving her life. Just three weeks later, she received the shocking diagnosis of breast cancer.
Hailing from Gravesend in England, Gardiner noted that the lump was small, measuring only 17 cm, but it became detectable thanks to the positioning of her implants. She explained that the sizeable implants pushed the lump forward, facilitating its discovery. “I believe this helped in identifying the lump because it allowed me to monitor my breasts more closely; when breasts feel lumpy, it usually indicates something might be wrong,” she stated.
Despite its size, the lump turned out to be aggressive. Gardiner was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a variant that does not exhibit the typical hormone receptors or HER2 protein, as detailed by the American Cancer Society. This type of cancer is known for its rapid growth and has limited treatment options, contributing to a poorer prognosis.
Faced with her diagnosis, Gardiner expressed her overwhelming emotions, stating, “The first thing I asked when I received the news was, ‘Am I going to die?’”
As she reflects on her journey, Gardiner recalls a previous incident with her breast implant that had ruptured, leading her to experience recurring infections. This raised the question of whether the ruptured implant contributed to her cancer diagnosis, given that the cancer was identified in the same breast.
In her previous medical assessments, Gardiner discovered that the ruptured implant had emitted a painful yellow fluid. “They removed it, and it was an incredibly painful experience due to how long it had been deteriorating,” she recounted. She also experienced two breast infections in the months prior to her cancer diagnosis, further adding to her list of health concerns.
The FDA acknowledges a specific type of lymphoma associated with breast implants, known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). However, it does not find a direct link between silicone gel-filled implants and breast cancer or other reproductive health issues.
Currently, Gardiner reports feeling generally well, apart from occasional fatigue as she awaits surgery and further treatment. She emphasizes the mental toll of living with her diagnosis daily, stating, “I keep thinking about the cancer, and I just want it removed.”
Gardiner’s experience serves as a powerful reminder for others to act on any medical concerns. “Don’t hesitate. If you think something is wrong, seek help, even if it feels trivial,” she advises, reflecting on the urgency of early detection. “Had I waited a year, I can only imagine where I might be now.”
“Life takes on a new perspective when you receive a diagnosis like this; you only get one chance,” Gardiner concluded.
Source
www.yahoo.com