Kim Albright

 

Kim Albright was a 35-year-old stay-at-home mom with three kids (Taylor, 17; Payton, 11; and Kyle, 9) when she learned she had breast cancer in 2010. She has learned a lot in the short time since – and one lesson that came through loud and clear for Kim is the importance of being your own advocate.

Even with all the stress of diagnosis, Kim was quick to realize when she wasn’t receiving the quality of care necessary. After a series of missteps with her first doctor, she went for a second opinion. The second doctor performed a lumpectomy and after the surgery informed Kim that she needed to have a mastectomy. Because of his lack of bedside manner, Kim’s opinion of the second doctor wasn’t much better than what she’d felt about the initial physician. Ever diligent, she realized that finding the right doctor was going to be a crucial part of a successful outcome. She had heard about Dr. Beth Dupree through a friend, and quickly realized she had finally found someone who cared. Dr. Dupree is the Medical Director of the Holy Redeemer Breast Health Program in the Philadelphia area.

“My consultation alone with Dr. Dupree took about four hours,” shares Albright. “She went over every little detail from top to bottom. She told me I needed to have a mastectomy on the left side where the cancer was, but also told me because of my family history, I would be wise to have both breasts removed. I had surgery on August 23, 2010 and they did find precancerous cells on the other side – so her guidance was right on!”

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is not easy at any age, but it presents a very special set of challenges for young women. Kim fully realizes her age factors in to many of the decisions she must face, and finds it ironic she often has to try to be wise way beyond her years in order to cope.

One of the first things she realized while dealing with her new normal was that she needed to end her marriage, saying, “When I was diagnosed I went into my own world -- I was a different person. Initially, I was drinking a lot and taking a lot of pain medication just to keep myself mentally sedated. I was so sad and frightened. I began to have a different outlook on life. I realized any of us can die at any time. My husband was one of those types who always lets little things become big. He is never happy. There were many things that led to my decision, but I finally realized I just couldn’t do it anymore. Things needed to change and he didn’t want them to, so we are getting a divorce.

“Although the initial decision was difficult, my life is much easier now. I don’t feel stressed all the time now. It’s just me and the kids, so I make all of the decisions. Financially it’s a challenge because after staying at home to raise my kids for over 10 years, I certainly didn’t feel I had many marketable skills. So I’m back in school. I’m studying to be a Phlebotomist and hope that my experiences will help me to be more compassionate than some of the people I’ve encountered in a medical setting!”

Not only has Kim’s home life been a challenge, her health has continued to be an issue. “I just had my 10th surgery. For whatever reason, my body is prone to infection, so I not only have to keep going back into the hospital, but there is always that underlying fear that the cancer has or will come back. I had a bad infection on the right side last Halloween and had to have my implant removed for four months. That breast is so distorted. I look at myself and I hate it. I have no feeling in my breasts, although I can say that I really hate winter now because the cold just goes right through me!”

Kim fully realizes that some of her behavior needs to change, and she is working on making sure she stays healthy both mentally and physically, saying, “I didn’t go back for my final appointment to get cleared. I feel like every time I go to the doctor it’s something else wrong! I have gone to a few support groups, but I am one of those people who bottles it up until I break down. Obviously, my doctor wants me to stay on top of my appointments, so I’m trying really hard to get my head in a place where I can do just that. I do see my plastic surgeon, Dr. William Scarlett, all the time because of all the problems I have with infections. So at least he is keeping an eye on me. At the moment I often feel I am living my life hour-by-hour. I don’t even try to go day-by-day.”

There are bright spots to be sure, and Kim recognizes those as well. “If I didn’t have the two wonderful doctors I found, I don’t know where I’d be by now. Dr. Dupree actually paid for me to go on the Breast Cancer Survivor’s Cruise last May for a week. That really changed my outlook. It caused me to look at breast cancer as a wakeup call. Her professionalism and kindness have definitely made a huge difference in my overall outlook.

“My kids give me a reason to keep going, too. I’m not sure they fully comprehend what I’ve been going through, but we are all stronger as a result. My son Kyle has been so compassionate throughout, it makes me feel good knowing that he cares about how others feel. He is going to make someone a great husband one of these days!”

And although she may feel she is living hour-by-hour, Kim is now dating someone who, as she puts it, “is one of those happy-go-lucky guys – so he makes me feel a little bit better about what I’m going through. Even with my health problems and scars, he tells me I’m beautiful. I know I’m young, but breast cancer has certainly taught me a lot, and one of the lessons I’ve learned is that I deserve to be happy!”

We couldn't agree more.