Profile: Cancer Survivor Patty Janes

Patty Janes of Lincoln Park has had a rough 16 years. After 10 breast lumpectomies, a double mastectomy, 20 more surgeries and years of poor health, Patty was diagnosed this year with breast implant illness. “It’s been a long, hard road,” Patty said.

Her journey began in 2004 when she found the first lump in her breast. Not only was it stressful waiting nine months for biopsy results, Patty had watched her mom fight breast cancer. “It was just so traumatic,” she recalls.

In 2006, Patty was awaiting the results of her ninth and tenth biopsies. Her doctor asked about her interest in a prophylactic double mastectomy. Patty had her breasts removed that year, then, over the next several months, she underwent three more surgeries for breast reconstruction.

“The surgery went fine,” Patty said. She thought her ordeal was over. But Patty’s health struggles had just begun. In 2008 she began experiencing a barrage of symptoms that threatened her health and changed her life.

It started with depression, anxiety and brain fog. She later experienced severe muscle and joint pain. She went from doctor to doctor in search of answers and solutions. “They couldn’t figure it out,” Patty said. Then the heart palpitations and chest pain began. She had multiple heart catheterizations and a triple bypass in 2008. Patty was also experiencing hair loss, weight gain and fatigue. “I went to every hospital in the (Metro Detroit area) trying to figure out what in the heck was wrong with me.”

Patty reached a point where she could no longer work and had to go on disability. She still has chest pain and was eventually diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She continues to struggle with pain and fatigue. “Some days I can’t get out of bed.”

“The medical community is divided in recognizing that BII is a legitimate illness.”

There was no clear explanation for Patty’s health dilemma until February of this year when she was watching the news as a plastic surgeon explained breast implant illness (BII). “She started naming symptoms,” Patty recalled. “I had them all.” The surgeon also said that when women who experienced these symptoms had their implants removed, their symptoms went away – some immediately.

She learned that the silicone in breast implants can cause autoimmune symptoms. Patty called the surgeon who had performed her mastectomy. The surgeon said she was a candidate for breast explants due to BII. He referred her to Dr. Amy DeRosa of West Bloomfield. Patty did an online search and found Dr. DeRosa. She was stunned when she saw the doctor’s face. It was the doctor from TV who explained BII. “I believe that this is a total God thing,” Patty said. She experienced a tremendous sense of relief knowing there is a reason why she has been sick for so long.

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Her double mastectomy was scheduled for June 29. In May, Patty fell and suffered a severe concussion. By the fourth week after her fall, Patti had a 104 degree fever. She had pneumonia and was septic. The surgery was canceled and Patty was devastated.

Patty hopes to get cleared for surgery by her other health professionals. Then she will reschedule her surgery. She hopes her symptoms will subside afterward. “I honestly hope that the majority of them go away.” But as a woman, Patty struggles with losing her breasts. Another important issue is that insurance does not cover the explant cost. “It’s something that needs to be addressed,” Patty said. She adds that the medical community is divided in recognizing that BII is a legitimate illness.

As frustrating as the last 16 years have been, Patty finds joy in raising awareness about BII. “I’m super excited to get it out there,” she said. ◆

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