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I Went For Breast Reduction Surgery To Downsize My Size H Boobs And Left With Five Years To Live - After Surgeon Found A Stage 4 Cancerous Lump
A Tennessee woman claims reduction surgery on her size H breasts saved her life after surgeons discovered a 'fist-sized' lump that turned out to be stage 4 cancer.
Savannah White, 30, suffered from agonizing back and shoulder pain and friction sores in her right breast from a lump she said doctors dismissed as a harmless cyst.
'I had what I thought was a cyst on the bottom of my breast, and it would rub up against the underwire of my bra. It was truly, truly uncomfortable,' Mrs White said.
The social worker opted for breast reduction surgery last February but was shocked when doctors found a cancerous lump. Tests revealed that she has stage 4 breast cancer, leaving her with a life expectancy of just five to 10 years.
Savannah White opted for breast reduction surgery last February to bring her breasts down from size H. She thought she had a cyst under her breast, but doctors dismissed it as harmless
Mrs White was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which has a survival rate of five to 10 years. She credits the surgery for ultimately saving her life
'[The doctor] said that he could tell by looking at it that it was cancer. It didn't hit me until later. I just remember bawling [on the way home],' Mrs White said.
'It was a complete shock. Nowhere in my brain did I think this could happen to me, especially at the age of 29.'
'It felt like the wind got knocked out of me. Stage 4 is synonymous with death, or at least it was in my mind. I thought I was going to die.'
'The breast reduction surgery saved my life.'
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in American women and is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that in 2023 alone, nearly 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 43,000 will die.
Localized breast cancer, meaning cancer confined to just one area, has nearly a 100 percent survival rate after five years. However, once it spreads to other areas, such as during stage 4, five-year survival drops to just 31 percent.
Mrs White's diagnosis at age 29 is especially rare, as the average age women are typically diagnosed is 63.
Mrs White (pictured with her husband, Phillip) underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy. She will be on chemo and hormone blockers, which have left her unable to have children, for the rest of her life
Mrs White believes that if she was sent for a mammogram instead of being misdiagnosed with cysts, her cancer may have never reached stage four. 'Advocate yourself as far as talking to doctors, because they definitely want to dismiss younger patients,' she said
She underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy and is now in remission. However, she now has to take oral chemo medication and hormone blockers for the rest of her life. The hormone blockers have put her in menopause at age 30, which means she can no longer have children.
She's also only expected to live another five to 10 years.
'Usually, a lot of people think that remission means cured, but it doesn't really mean that, and it definitely doesn't when you're at stage 4,' Mrs White said.
'For now, I'm on oral chemo and I will be on oral chemo for the rest of my life.'
'Once a month I go in and get hormone blocker injections. They put me in menopause, so I'm in menopause at the age 30. I'll never be able to have children.'
'It's a day-to-day thing. I will never live a normal life, and I'm trying to come to terms with it.'
Mrs White has vowed to start her own non-profit or provide therapy to other cancer patients and is currently writing a book about her experience.
She believes that if she was sent for a mammogram instead of being misdiagnosed with cysts, her cancer may have never reached stage four.
'Anyone who isn't feeling right should trust their body. Your body will tell you what to do,' Mrs White said.
'Advocate yourself as far as talking to doctors, because they definitely want to dismiss younger patients.'
'Speak for yourself and push for what you need, whether that's a mammogram or an ultrasound.'
'Cancer is [more] curable if you can find it early enough. If my doctor who said I had cysts had sent me for a mammogram, I might not be stage four right now.'
Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease has five stages, starting with a mildly damaged kidney and ending with kidney failure.
Kidneys have many jobs vital to good health. They act as filters for your blood, removing waste, toxins, and surplus fluids.
They also help to:
If you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), you've had damage to your kidneys for more than a few months. Damaged kidneys don't filter blood as well as they should, which can lead to various serious health concerns.
There are five stages of CKD, and different symptoms and treatments are associated with each stage.
To assign a CKD stage, your doctor must determine how well your kidneys work.
One way to do this is with a urine test to assess your albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR). It shows if protein is leaking into the urine (proteinuria), a sign of kidney damage.
ACR levels are staged as follows:
Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to assess the structure of your kidneys.
A blood test measures creatinine, urea, and other waste products in the blood to see how well the kidneys work. This is called the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A GFR of 100 mL/min is normal. GFR shows how much blood your kidneys filter in 1 minute.
This table highlights the five stages of CKD. More information about each stage follows the table.
In stage 1, there's very mild damage to the kidneys. They're quite adaptable and can adjust for this, allowing them to keep performing at 90% or better.
At this stage, CKD is likely to be discovered by chance during routine blood and urine tests. You may also have these tests if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, the top causes of CKD in the United States.
SymptomsTypically, there are no symptoms when kidneys function at 90 percent or better.
TreatmentYou can slow disease progression by taking these steps:
If you don't see a kidney specialist (nephrologist), ask your general physician to refer you to one.
In stage 2 CKD, kidneys are functioning between 60 – 89%.
SymptomsAt this stage, you might still be symptom-free. Or symptoms are nonspecific, such as:
There's no cure for CKD, but early treatment can slow or stop progression.
It's essential to address the underlying cause. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, follow your doctor's instructions for managing these conditions.
It's also important to maintain a good diet, exercise regularly, and manage weight. If you smoke, ask your doctor about smoking cessation programs.
Stage 3A CKD means your kidney is functioning between 45 – 59%. Stage 3B means kidney function is between 30 – 44%
The kidneys aren't filtering waste, toxins, and fluids well, which are starting to build up.
SymptomsNot everyone has symptoms at stage 3. But you may have:
Complications may include:
It's important to manage underlying conditions to help preserve kidney function. This may include:
You'll probably need frequent follow-up visits and tests, so adjustments can be made if necessary.
Your doctor can refer you to a dietitian to ensure you get all the necessary nutrients.
Stage 4 CKD means you have moderate-to-severe kidney damage. They're functioning between 15 – 29%, so you may build up more waste, toxins, and fluids in your body.
You must do all you can to prevent progression to kidney failure.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), 40% of people with severely reduced kidney function aren't even aware they have it.
SymptomsSymptoms can include:
Complications can include:
You're also at increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
TreatmentIn stage 4, you must work very closely with your doctors. In addition to the same treatment as earlier stages, you should start discussions about dialysis and kidney transplant should your kidneys fail.
These procedures take careful organization and a lot of time, so it's wise to start planning for them with your doctor as early as possible.
In addition, stage 4 CKD can lead to further health complications requiring treatment. For example, it is not uncommon for people to develop metabolic acidosis due to CKD. Depending on blood bicarbonate levels, doctors may prescribe oral bicarbonate replacement therapy.
Stage 5 CKD means your kidneys are working at less than 15% capacity, or you have kidney failure.
When that happens, the buildup of waste and toxins becomes life threatening. This is end-stage renal disease.
SymptomsSymptoms of kidney failure can include:
A significant drop in kidney function puts more stress on the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
TreatmentOnce you have complete kidney failure, life expectancy is only a few months without dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Dialysis isn't a cure for kidney disease but a process to remove waste and fluid from your blood. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis.
HemodialysisYou will receive hemodialysis either at a dialysis center or at home. Hemodialysis at a medical center typically occurs on a set schedule around three times a week.
However, with training, you can administer hemodialysis at home – although it requires a surgical procedure to create vein access. You and your doctor can tailor home dialysis schedules to fit your lifestyle better. Home hemodialysis is typically more frequent but lasts for less time per session.
During the treatment, you or a doctor will insert two needles into an access point on your body. These attach to a dialyzer, which is sometimes referred to as an artificial kidney. Your blood then pumps through the filter and returns to your body.
Peritoneal dialysisFor peritoneal dialysis, a surgeon will place a catheter into your abdomen.
During treatment, dialysis solution flows through the catheter into the abdomen, after which you can go about your normal day. A few hours later, you can drain the catheter into a bag and discard it. It is necessary to repeat this multiple times per day.
A kidney transplant involves replacing your kidney with a healthy one. Kidneys can come from living or deceased donors. You won't need dialysis, but you'll have to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of your life.
Below are some frequently asked questions relating to kidney disease stages.
What is life expectancy by CKD stage?In people with CKD, life expectancy can be difficult to estimate. While disease progression typically reduces a person's life expectancy, other factors such as age at diagnosis, other health conditions, and treatment options can all significantly impact life expectancy.
What stage of CKD do you need dialysis?You will typically require dialysis at stage 5 or end-stage kidney failure.
Will drinking more water increase my GFR?Staying hydrated is crucial for overall kidney health and maintaining GFR. However, drinking more water will not significantly improve GFR results in the short term.
There are five stages of chronic kidney disease. Stages are determined with blood and urine tests and the degree of kidney damage.
While it's a progressive disease, not everyone will go on to develop kidney failure.
Symptoms of early stage kidney disease are mild and can be easily overlooked. That's why it's important to have regular checkups if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, the leading causes of kidney disease.
Early diagnosis and management of coexisting conditions can help slow or prevent progression.
What To Know About Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to gradual kidney damage that reduces the kidneys' ability to filter blood. CKD progresses through stages 1–5. Stage 4 CKD is the final stage before complete kidney failure in stage 5.
People living with stage 4 CKD are likely to experience a range of symptoms due to severe kidney damage.
Research from 2016 suggests CKD affects 11–13% of people worldwide, and about 0.4% of the global population has stage 4 CKD. The next stage, end stage renal failure, typically requires treatment, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
As a result, stage 4 CKD often becomes the point at which a doctor may start to discuss these treatments. However, it is possible to slow the progression of CKD with proper management and regular consultation with a healthcare professional.
At stage 4 CKD, waste products can build up in the blood. This can lead to health issues throughout the body, including:
A person may feel these effects in several ways, including:
Stage 4 CKD sets in over time when stage 3 CKD has progressed due to further kidney damage. High blood pressure and diabetes are the most frequent causes of CKD.
DiabetesPeople with diabetes may have consistently high blood glucose levels due to the body not making enough insulin. Glucose is a type of sugar. Insulin is a hormone.
Insulin usually instructs cells to remove glucose from the blood. If the body does not have enough insulin, more glucose travels around the body in the blood, potentially damaging blood vessels and organs. This can damage the filters in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function as usual.
According to data collected between 2011 and 2014, 24.5% of people in the United States with diabetes had stages 3–4 CKD compared with 4.9% of people who did not have diabetes.
HypertensionAccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders, around 108 million people in the United States have high blood pressure. It is also the second most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for 26% of all cases.
High blood pressure can damage and narrow the kidneys' veins and arteries. This can reduce their filtering abilities and lead to fluid buildup in the blood vessels. In turn, this can drive further rises in blood pressure in a harmful cycle that can worsen kidney damage.
Less common causesOther conditions can cause CKD, including:
A doctor will take symptoms into account when diagnosing stage 4 CKD. They may request a range of tests to measure the extent of kidney damage and identify the possible causes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around half of all people with extremely low kidney function who are not receiving dialysis treatment do not know they have CKD.
Measuring the stageA doctor may request an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test to check the severity of kidney function loss.
This blood test measures how much creatinine remains in the blood. Creatine is a waste product. Healthy kidneys filter this substance out of the body, but damaged kidneys cannot remove as much.
People with stage 4 CKD have an eGFR of 15–29. These lower eGFR numbers indicate more severe kidney damage.
A doctor may also test the urine for protein. Proteinuria, or too much protein in the urine, is a sign of stage 4 CKD.
Identifying the causeDoctors may request or administer the following tests to determine what may be causing stage 4 CKD:
Depending on the cause, a doctor can suggest which treatments and management methods could help prevent further kidney damage.
If a primary care physician identifies stage 4 CKD, they will refer the individual to a kidney specialist called a nephrologist.
This specialist cannot reverse kidney damage, but they can recommend treatments to slow disease progression. Treatment is vital to prevent CKD progression, as the next stage of CKD may involve kidney failure.
Medications for stage 4 CKDA range of medications can help manage CKD symptoms and slow progression.
These drugs might include:
A nephrologist may refer someone with stage 4 CKD to a dietitian. A dietitian can help a person with CKD optimize their diet to protect their kidney health. A person with stage 4 CKD may benefit from:
Discussing next stepsA nephrologist might explain the next stages of treatment depending on kidney function and a person's eGFR. If they believe kidney failure is a likely outcome, a doctor may want to discuss:
Regular consultations and monitoring a person's blood glucose, blood pressure, and eGFR readings all help a nephrologist determine a person's risk of CKD progression.
There is no way to reverse or fix kidney damage. However, several factors can contribute to how long a person with CKD may live, including:
A person with stage 4 CKD can speak with a healthcare professional about their individual outlook.
Around 9 in 10 people with CKD are not aware they have it, meaning that it can sometimes be unclear when to seek medical attention.
However, by stage 4, symptoms of CKD are likely to become clearer. Experts advise people to contact a doctor if they notice any symptoms of CKD.
People with diabetes or high blood pressure should receive regular consultations with their doctor to ensure neither condition causes CKD.
Stage 4 CKD is the last stage of the condition before kidney failure occurs in stage 5. A person with stage 4 CKD may have symptoms, such as foamy urine and edema.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of CKD, but other causes may also lead to the condition.
It is possible to slow CKD progression by following a nephrologist's recommendations. However, people with stage 4 CKD may need to start dialysis or receive a kidney transplant if their kidney function declines.
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