Healthy Living Newsletter

Beating the Odds
Hope and Treatment Options Available for Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Soft spoken with an engaging smile, one would never think that Dawn Watza of Marysville had the determination of a Roman gladiator pulsating throughout her veins.

But, this highly-educated registered nurse and breast cancer survivor is on a crusade to ensure that all women and their physicians know that a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Instead, it should be viewed more as a chronic disease that can be managed, once the proper diagnosis is made.

The Journey

Dawn’s journey started in early 2007 when crippling pain in her back sent her to her primary care physician Robert Camara, DO, of Mercy Family Care — Marysville. “I was suffering from back pain and I didn’t know what was causing it,” explains Dawn Watza. “The pain was elusive, but Dr. Camara stood by my side, helping me find the diagnosis I needed.”

After a number of consultations with other local specialists, including Neil Pasia, DO, of Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, PC; and Anup Lal, MD, of Blue Water Oncology, PC, Dawn finally got the answers and the medical treatment she needed.

Dawn was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer in April 2007.

Metastatic breast cancer is a cancer of the breast that breaks away from its primary site or main tumor and travels through the bloodstream to distant parts of the body. It generally gravitates to the bones, liver, lungs or brain. In Dawn’s case it traveled to the bone in her spine and ribs.

Physicians set to work to locate the primary site of her breast cancer. “It was extremely important to find the primary site to determine if it could be removed or how it could be treated,” explains Dawn.

After receiving a MRI, Dawn’s breast cancer was located, but it was too small to be surgically removed. Hormonal or systemic therapy was prescribed. Dawn’s therapy includes taking Femara, a drug that reduces the production of estrogen in her system which was determined to be the root cause of her breast cancer.

Once the primary cancer tumor was diagnosed, Dawn began immediate treatment of her spine and ribs by receiving radiation therapy from the Blue Water area’s only radiation therapy program through the Mercy Regional Cancer Center.

Under the care of Kanu Dalal, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Dawn received radiation therapy to reduce the tumors in her spine and one of her ribs.

The Success

Today, Dawn is in partial remission. “Partial remission is where 50 percent of the signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or the tumors have shrunk,” explains Dawn. “I continue to wear a back brace to support my spine and reduce the possibility of bone breakage.”

Dawn also continues to see her physicians to manage her disease and is speaking out about the advanced treatment options in the community as well as raising awareness of metastatic breast cancer.

“We have incredibly talented cancer care physicians and supporting specialists in our area,” explains Dawn. “They are driven to provide successful treatments to patients in our community. These physicians, their nurses and support staff have saved my life with their dedication and compassionate care.”

Dawn’s Crusade

Dawn’s work to raise awareness regarding hope for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer is equally impressive.

Recently, she wrote to the Marysville Mayor and City Council requesting that October 13 be designated as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Via proclamation, Dawn’s request was fulfilled in Marysville.

“Those of us with metastatic breast cancer are often isolated,” explains Dawn. “We are feared because we represent what others do not want to have happen to them. We are silent voices. Most research is given for a cure; we need to make a difference by education.”

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day is honored during October, traditionally set aside as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Many states and cities throughout the United States honor this day,” explains Dawn. “Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed a proclamation for Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day for the entire state of Michigan.”
Dawn’s personal crusade continues as she works to raise awareness regarding this chronic but treatable disease.

“If my voice can make a difference in educating the community about metastatic breast cancer, then I will achieve my goal. There is hope. There is treatment.”

Like other chronic diseases, Dawn will undergo treatment for her cancer throughout her lifetime.

“Although the survival rate for this type of cancer can be viewed as grim; there are a number of patients throughout the country who have beaten the odds time and again. I believe our greatest asset is hope and I want to educate the community that hope is plentiful,” continues Dawn.

“So are the treatment options. As one treatment loses its effectiveness, more medical advances are out there to take its place,” concludes Dawn. “I plan to live a very long and productive life with this chronic disease. I simply refuse to believe it’s a death sentence.”

For more information regarding metastatic breast cancer go to: www.mbcnetwork.org, or visit the American Cancer Society website at: www.cancer.org.

For more information regarding the vast array of cancer care services available at Mercy Hospital, go to the Mercy Regional Cancer Center section of this website.

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