Knowledge is Power
After navigating her own remarkable cancer journey, Amber Henson founded My TaTa Testimony to serve as a source of knowledge and hope for others. Diagnosed in 2019, Amber continues to champion the importance of annual mammograms, genetic testing, and creating a personalized treatment plan with a physician who is also a trusted partner in care.
“After my first mammogram, at age 42, I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS (ductal carcinomia insitu). More than eight doctors told me that I needed approximately 50 rounds of radiation, chemo, and a double mastectomy. I could not wrap my head around the fact that those were my only options. After lots of research, I found a book, Chris Beat Cancer, and read it. I practiced a lot of what he taught for 90 days and then had new breast MRIs completed. Although, my cancer had not grown, it was still there. I reached out to the author Chris Wark, told him what I had, what I was being told, and asked him what he would do. I received several automated responses with articles and information on Dr. Kristi Funk. Dr. Funk is a world-renowned breast cancer surgeon in Santa Monica, California. I did more research and read her book, Breasts: the Owner’s Manual, and decided to reach out to her office. I called, sent over my medical records, and within 30 minutes, Dr. Funk called me and said, ‘Come see me!’
I flew to California, and I had my first visit with Dr. Funk. That day she performed genetic testing, an ultrasound and breast exam. I was scheduled for surgery in the upcoming months to have a nipple sparing double mastectomy and reconstruction. Six weeks later, we received my genetic test results and discovered that I am a carrier for an extremely rare (1 in 9 million families) gastric cancer gene, CDH1. I had the genetic test focusing on female parts to have the knowledge for my four nieces. My stomach was nowhere on my radar. CDH1 is directly linked to lobular breast cancer and gave me an 85% chance of having gastric cancer. At this point, I did not show any signs of having lobular breast cancer, but after my mastectomy, my pathology showed the beginning stages on my left side. Due to how aggressive the type of stomach cancer linked to my gene can be, Dr. Funk wanted to change the original plan and for me to have my stomach removed as soon as possible.
After many conversations, I convinced her that I wanted to stay the course and take time to research all my options. In February 2020, I had a nipple sparing double mastectomy, reconstruction in August of 2020 (they considered implants elective during COVID), and my entire stomach removed in December 2020 at MD Anderson in Houston. The protocol before my stomach removal was 75 random biopsies in the lining of my stomach, all of which were clear. However, after my stomach removal surgery, the pathology showed that I had three tumors.
I am 5 years out from my breast surgery this past February and will be 5 years out with my stomach this December. To date, I have not had a dose of radiation or chemo. I established My TaTa Testimony to help others know that they have options and to share the resources and information that I found along my journey. I would have never had genetic testing if it wasn’t for having breast cancer. Having breast cancer saved my life.”
October 7
Crystal Ridge Distillery – Hot Springs
