Breast Cancer: Tamara's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Tamara Bumpus discovered a lump in her right breast in 2016 while undergoing testing before an elective procedure. A mammogram found the lump, and biopsy confirmed breast cancer. Genetic testing then revealed just how deep breast cancer ran through her father’s side of the family, although no specific gene was identified as the cause. Tamara’s great-grandmother, Thelma Mae Crowe Bumpus, had breast cancer, and many women in the family had also been diagnosed. Tamara was told she had a 60% chance of finding cancer in her other breast during her lifetime. That risk led her to choose bilateral prophylactic mastectomies, meaning removal of breast tissue from both breasts to reduce future risk. Her Cleveland Clinic surgeon, Dr. Risal Djohan, also offered DIEP free flap reconstruction. Instead of implants, DIEP uses abdominal fat, skin, tissue and blood vessels to rebuild the breast area. For Tamara, this option mattered because she wanted to preserve a natural look and sense of wholeness after surgery. Her cancer removal and reconstruction were successful. As of November 2020, no recurrence status was reported, but Tamara had become open about her family history so relatives, including her 17-year-old daughter, could understand their risk and seek screening earlier.