Local woman sharing battle with cancer to help others

By Kimberly Gasuras

A local woman is sharing her experience with cancer to help others with early detection.

In September of 2016, Tiffany Hill did a monthly breast self-examination while in the shower.

“I found a lump about the size of a large pearl,” Hill said.

She immediately made an appointment with her doctor’s office in Bucyrus.

“(The doctor) ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound,” said Hill. “I was told the lump was just an infected milk duct and that I would receive a postcard in the mail to come back in six months.”

Hill tried to calm her fears with the results but still had a nagging feeling that something was wrong.

“At that time, I was working out every day. I completed a 5K run and participated in the Warrior Dash,” Hill said. “Within weeks, there were days I could not even get out of bed and I did not have the energy to work out.”

Six months later after the first mammogram, Hill returned for her second one.

“The lump was still there so they also did an ultrasound with the same results: It was an infected milk duct,” Hill said.

Hill informed her doctor that she wanted a biopsy and that at this point, she was having a bloody discharge from her breast.

“(The doctor) put me on Lexapro for depression because (the doctor) felt I was overly worried about things,” Hill said.

Hill was working two to three jobs while helping to babysit her grandchildren.

“I was keeping up the pace but was so tired. In October (2017), I went back to my doctor and asked for an order for another mammogram and a biopsy. (The doctor) would not allow it,” Hill said.

Hill noted her mother-in-law was battling breast cancer for the second time while her husband’s stepmother was losing her battle with breast cancer.

“My mother-in-law had undergone a mammogram and ultrasound at the Women’s Imaging Center at the Smith Clinic in Marion. I had her feel my lump and she immediately told me to make an appointment in Marion,” Hill said. “They have an actual surgeon that reads the results and I wanted to go there. At this point, I knew something was very wrong with my body and I was desperate.”

Hill made an appointment with her gynecologist.

“He was hesitant to give me another order because I had just had a mammogram. He agreed with the results that it was simply an infected milk duct but at my insistence, he finally gave me the order,” said Hill.

Not long before Thanksgiving, Hill headed to Marion for her appointment.

“They did a 3-D mammogram and ultrasound. The surgeon did not see the tumor coming off of a milk duct because it was actually inside of the duct. He said this should have been a red flag at the first mammogram I had done,” Hill said.

Hill was then scheduled for a biopsy on Nov. 27.

“They had to go through my nipple to get to the area. The recovery from this was very painful but at least I was getting some answers,” Hill said.

At around 6 p.m. on Nov. 30, Hill got the phone call no woman wants to receive.

“I was told I have ductal adenocarcinoma breast cancer and it is hormone-fed,” Hill said.

Although she was frightened, she also felt validated.

“My intuition was correct. I had just learned the importance of receiving a second opinion,” Hill said.

Hill related that the type of breast cancer she has is slow-growing.

“This is the only thing that saved my life during those 18 months I was trying to get someone to listen to me that something was wrong in my body,” Hill said.

Hill’s team of doctors at the Smith Clinic gave her several treatment options.

“I chose to have a double mastectomy. All breast tissue will be removed along with three lymph nodes for testing to make sure the cancer has not spread,” Hill said. “Depending on those results, I may have to undergo radiation and possibly chemotherapy, but I am hoping not to. To me, it was a no-brainer.”

Hill’s surgery is scheduled for Jan. 10.

“I have a plastic surgeon on my team of doctors, so expanders will be put in during the double mastectomy. It’s a process to build back the breasts and I will lose my nipples,” Hill said.

Hill said there is a tattoo artist in Marion near the hospital that does nipple tattoos free of charge for women battling breast cancer, about a year after surgery.

Hill has undergone genetic testing to help her two adult daughters.

“They will have to begin getting mammograms at age 33. I have already inspired several women to do self-examinations and for two to undergo mammograms. One of them had a lump and a biopsy determined it is benign,” Hill said.

Hill’s advice to everyone, men included, is to do self-exams, have regular checkups, listen to your body, and always seek a second opinion.

“I want to inspire others, including my two daughters, to take charge of their health and not just settle for the answer one doctor gives if you still feel that something is not right in your body, “Hill said. “It is fine to seek a second opinion. It may save your life.”