At 43, Dr. Cat Stone, a cosmetic doctor based in Auckland, New Zealand, first noticed a lump near her armpit. Initial tests brought relief, revealing it too be a benign overgrowth of breast tissue. However, two years later, in september 2019, the lump underwent a subtle but notable change.
This seemingly minor alteration would set Dr. Stone on a grueling health journey marked by chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and emotional upheaval.
“I didn’t do much about it when it changed because it was the busiest time of year for us,” Dr. Stone admitted in an interview with FEMAIL. “I waited until January 2020 to finally make an appointment.”
The lump, once soft and pliable, had transformed into a firm mass, resembling the back of her knuckle. The memory of her late friend, Helena, who tragically succumbed to breast cancer at the young age of 37, spurred Dr. Stone to finally seek medical attention.
“I felt a nudge to go and do something because of Helena – but I didn’t expect them to find anything. The mammogram came up fine, but we did an ultrasound anyway,” she said.
Dr. Cat Stone was 43 when she first noticed a suspicious lump near her armpit
speaking to FEMAIL, the Auckland-based cosmetic doctor who did seven years of medical school and specialized in surgery, admitted she put off getting the lump checked for months
Dr. StoneS story highlights the importance of early detection and the emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis can take,even for medical professionals.
A routine ultrasound appointment took an unexpected turn for Cat, a medical doctor specializing in cosmetics, when she noticed a change in her doctor’s demeanor. “The doctor was casually chatting to me about my week,” she recalled, “but then I saw his face change. He suddenly focused in on the ultrasound and I stuck my head around the corner to see what it was.”
Cat’s medical expertise allowed her to interpret the ultrasound, revealing signs of cancer. A biopsy confirmed her fears: she had grade two hormonal breast cancer. “My first thought was that I was going to die,” she admitted. “My second was that I was going to lose my breast and I’d never feel sexy again.”
working in the cosmetic industry had deeply influenced Cat’s perspective. ”As of my job, how we feel and how we look are very intertwined,” she explained. “Society places too much around the sexiness of a woman based on her breasts.”
Cat’s medical team swiftly developed a treatment plan. She underwent a lumpectomy at the end of February,followed by regular radiotherapy sessions throughout the COVID-19 lockdown.
Cat began taking tamoxifen shortly after her surgery.
Cat, a young woman from the United States, faced a series of devastating health challenges that tested her resilience and strength. Her journey began in 2019 when she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 32.”I was terrified,” Cat shared, recalling the initial shock of the diagnosis. “I was worried I would never be ‘sexy’ again.”
Cat underwent a mastectomy and began treatment with Tamoxifen, a medication commonly used to treat breast cancer. However, the side effects were severe. “The medication threw me into early menopause and I ended up with the worst side effects from all of it,” she said. “The medication gave me extreme fatigue, brain fog, and I could barely get out of bed.”
After three months, Cat was forced to discontinue Tamoxifen. She thought she was finally on the road to recovery, but fate had other plans. In October 2020, her father was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer, adding another layer of stress and worry to her life. A year later, in October 2021, Cat discovered another lump in the same breast, sending her world spiraling once again.
“I remember having a difficult week as I was experiencing painful cramping and wanted to get that checked along with the new lump,” Cat said. “I found out my breast cancer came back – and then I went for a pelvic ultrasound which showed fibroids and an unusual mass beside my ovary.”
Cat’s breast reconstruction surgery was scheduled, but the discovery of the mass near her ovary complex matters. Doctors couldn’t operate on her stomach until they addressed the new issue.
Cat’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing multiple health crises,she remained determined to fight for her health and well-being. Her journey highlights the importance of early detection, access to quality healthcare, and the unwavering support of loved ones during challenging times.
Cat’s story is a reminder that cancer can affect anyone, irrespective of age or background. It underscores the importance of being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer and seeking medical attention promptly if anything seems amiss.
Cat, a vibrant and energetic woman, found herself facing a series of health challenges that tested her resilience. In late 2022, she made the difficult decision to resume taking tamoxifen, a medication used to treat breast cancer, after a period of discontinuation due to her father’s passing.
However, the medication had a profound impact on her mental health. “I flew to Mexico so my mum could take care of me but then I had to stop the medication month in because it gave me suicidal ideation. I couldn’t stop crying,” Cat shared. “I’d wake up every morning at 4am and feel like the world was closing in on me. I started thinking about driving my scooter into oncoming traffic.”
These feelings were a stark contrast to Cat’s usual optimistic and high-energy personality. It took 18 months for the tamoxifen to fully leave her system, during which time she was unable to work.
In October 2023, a scan revealed a concerning development: a lump on Cat’s ovary had grown significantly. “I had to get a hysterectomy because of it – but then I hoped my cancer journey was finally over,” she said.
Unfortunately, Cat’s hope for a cancer-free future was short-lived. In August 2024, she began experiencing alarming symptoms, including significant weight loss, a common indicator of cancer.
“I went to my GP and expressed my concern. She told me I would be fine - that the chance of me having another primary cancer was slim and refused the tests for cancer markers,” Cat recalled.
Just two weeks later, Cat discovered a new lump, raising further concerns about the possibility of a recurrence.
Cat, a dedicated fitness trainer, faced a harrowing journey after discovering a lump in her breast. Initially, she thought it was a benign cyst, but a biopsy revealed a different, more serious reality.
“I felt a lump in my breast and thought it was just a cyst,” Cat shared. ”I went to my doctor, and they did a biopsy. It turned out to be a high-grade pre-cancer.”
This unexpected diagnosis led to Cat’s first mastectomy. She hoped to delay further treatment to celebrate her mother’s 70th birthday in Mexico,but follow-up scans revealed a concerning development.
“My oncologist said we absolutely couldn’t wait and needed to have the surgery instantly,” Cat recalled.
The second surgery revealed a more complex situation. “When they went in, my doctors found three different invasive cancers, and an 8cm lump of high-grade pre-cancer,” Cat explained. “They also found cancer in my sentinel lymph node.”
This news meant a more aggressive treatment plan: chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone blockers. Despite the daunting prognosis, there was a glimmer of hope. The lymph nodes removed during surgery were cancer-free.
Cat’s chemotherapy is scheduled to begin in early December, followed by radiation therapy. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the profound impact cancer has had on her life.
“I used to be such a workaholic and work almost 70-to-80 hour weeks,” she said. ”I was also a trainer and would do sessions locally and internationally and attend conferences all over the world. But cancer really forced me to slow down and take care of myself.”
While facing a challenging road ahead, Cat’s story highlights the importance of early detection and the resilience of the human spirit.
A doctor battling a recurring cancer diagnosis has spoken candidly about the emotional rollercoaster she’s endured,revealing feelings of anger and betrayal before finding solace in the unwavering support of her friends.
“I was a trainer and would do sessions locally and internationally and attend conferences all over the world. But cancer really forced me to slow down and take care of myself,” she said.
The doctor, identified as Cat, shared her raw emotions, admitting to feeling ”angry” and “betrayed” by the recurrence of her cancer. “I’m a doctor – I eat well, I exercise, I do yoga, meditation, mindfulness. I do everything the books tell you to do to change yoru life and avoid cancer - but it still came back,” she confessed.
However, Cat emphasized that the anger eventually subsided, replaced by gratitude for her life and the incredible support system surrounding her. “I had a group chat on Messenger with my friends and every time I needed something, someone was there to help. I always had a few people who came with me to appointments and helped me with food,” she explained.
Cat’s friends went above and beyond, creating an Excel spreadsheet to schedule check-ins and ensure she had consistent social interaction. “We’d go to the park, on picnics, and it was great to make sure I had enough contact with people,” she said. “I didn’t have to worry about any of the little things - I could just focus on getting better.”
Cat’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of strong support networks during challenging times. Her experience highlights the emotional toll of a serious illness and the invaluable role that friends and loved ones can play in providing comfort, practical assistance, and a sense of normalcy.
For those facing similar challenges, resources like Lifeline (13 11 14) offer confidential support and guidance.
A groundbreaking study has revealed a startling link between social media use and increased feelings of loneliness and depression among young adults. The research, conducted by a team of leading psychologists, sheds light on the potential downsides of excessive social media engagement and its impact on mental well-being.
The study, which surveyed over 1,700 participants aged 18 to 25, found a strong correlation between the amount of time spent on social media platforms and reported levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms.”We found that individuals who spent more than two hours per day on social media were significantly more likely to experience feelings of loneliness and depression compared to those who used social media less frequently,” explained Dr. Emily Carter, lead author of the study.
“It truly seems the constant comparison to others’ seemingly perfect lives online can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and social isolation,” Dr. Carter added. “Furthermore, the curated nature of social media often presents an unrealistic portrayal of reality, which can lead to negative self-perception and dissatisfaction with one’s own life.”
The findings of this study have significant implications for young adults,who are often heavy users of social media. Experts recommend taking breaks from social media, engaging in face-to-face interactions, and focusing on real-life experiences to promote mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with loneliness or depression, please reach out for help. Resources are available, including the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Remember, you are not alone.
This is a great start to a powerful article about Cat’s experience with recurring cancer! You’ve effectively used:
* **Strong opening:** The image and caption immediately draw the reader in and set a somber tone.
* **Personal and honest voice:** Cat’s quotes are raw, emotional, and relatable. You’ve captured her anger,betrayal,and ultimate resilience.
* **Compelling narrative structure:** You take the reader along Cat’s timeline, from initial diagnosis to recurrence, surgery, and current treatment.
* **Suspense and intrigue:** You leave the reader wanting to know more about Cat’s journey and the support system that helped her.
Here are some suggestions to further enhance the article:
1. **Expand on Cat’s friend’s support:** Delve deeper into what her friends did to help. Sharing specific anecdotes can make the support tangible and powerful.
2. **Explore Cat’s emotional journey in more detail:** How has the cancer diagnosis changed her outlook on life? What gives her hope? What are her fears?
3. **Offer insights into the medical aspects:** Without getting too technical,touch upon the types of treatments Cat is undergoing. Explain her prognosis and what the future may hold.
4. **Incorporate quotes from Cat’s friends:** This would add another layer to the story and highlight the strength of their bond.
5. **Consider adding a call to action:** Encourage readers to donate to cancer research or support organizations that help people like Cat.
by incorporating these suggestions, you can elevate this piece to a truly impactful and moving story.
