Sometimes, things are not what they seem.
For Joyce McCain from Ohio, her breast cancer, and a special type of radiation treatment, was a blessing in disguise.
In March, Joyce was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. She had the tumor removed, and her primary doctor suggested she look into radiation techniques at Cleveland Clinic that are designed to treat cancer while protecting the heart.
A CT scan is required before treatment using this technique, and that’s when doctors noticed something suspicious on her kidney.
Just weeks after learning she had breast cancer, Joyce was diagnosed with kidney cancer as well.
Joyce had her kidney removed and then continued on with radiation for breast cancer. She’s now cancer free.
Joyce said she is thankful for her physician recommending the technique, and possibly saved her life. “I say the lord has blessed me, and he’s put some good doctors in my path, that’s what I say,” she adds.
Joyce is doing well and encourages all women to get their mammograms.
Doctor Shah says heart-sparing radiation techniques for breast cancer can limit radiation exposure to the heart as much as 75 percent.