My Visit to One of the Best Cancer Centers in the World (NOT what I expected)

Wasn’t expecting all the negative comments on this video. Hopefully I can answer some of your questions/concerns in my next video where I will explain my new treatment plan. If you missed it in the video, yes I changed my treatment plan based on what this doctor said. If you are interested in my cancer story, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaNB8ALw_I-KgcCvvwWlRr-…

I was at MD Anderson, and I refused major surgery. I’m here 20 years later. God is in control. Had an 8 year old when they told me I would die if I did not take their advice. I refused. Had minor surgery, changed my lifestyle and diet. My daughter is going to be 28 this year.

I honestly can’t believe some of these comments. This is SAMANTHA’s cancer “journey”. She is graciously sharing HER journey, HER thoughts/opinions, HER experiences etc in the hopes that it may help others. That it could show other views on the options and treatments and side effects etc that SHE is experiencing. She always says this her her opinion and her choices. She always says that other people in her situation can choose whatever they want. It is ludicrous to me that a person would say “you already have one kid, it can’t be that bad, they have pills and therapy for that”. You aren’t her. Every single person going through cancer of any kind has vastly different side effects. Some more than others. I personally was very healthy before my diagnosis and now every single thing I do or try, I experience every negative side effect plus some! There are things I’d never do again. Sometimes I think that if I weren’t married with a 13 year old, I might choose to stop treatment altogether. Yall have no right really to make these comments just because she is choosing to help those of us that appreciate her sharing and putting her experiences on YouTube. Her choices are none of our business. I’m sure she has gone through the pros and cons for her and her family over and over before making many choices. We’ve all seen doctors that aren’t a fit for us. Just because this one is at one of the top cancer centers means nothing. She wasn’t a fit for her. Period.

When my daughter was fighting stage 4 breast cancer, we decided to travel to a major cancer center. Every cancer is different, but we ended up discovering that our local hospital would have prescribed the exact same protocol as the big shots. We thought we would get better tests, advice and treatments, but we didn't. You are very calm and thoughtful about your decisions which will help you make the best choices for you and your family. Happy New Year. 🙏

Hi Samantha. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll be the first to admit that I've privately questioned your treatment choices in the past, including the choice to stop hormone therapy, get pregnant, have a baby and breastfeed with cancer that feeds on estrogen. I thought to myself "what was she thinking?" However, then I went back and watched some of your earlier videos, and I realized that you were diagnosed with breast cancer in your early 20s. Hit with cancer when you were just beginning adulthood, and when it was completely normal to be thinking about marriage and babies! The huge majority of women facing breast cancer are over 50 and are not thinking about saving their ovaries and having babies. They've already lived their young adult lives, had babies if they wanted to, and have a lot more life experience. They are in a very different place. I am so sorry that you had a horrible experience on hormone therapy, and I am so sorry that you got cancer in the very beginning of your adult life. But, you know what? You were able to get pregnant, carry your daughter, give birth to her, and breast feed her, which were all things that you wanted to do. You were able to fulfill many of your bucket list items and if you had listened to the doctors and stayed on hormone therapy or taken out your ovaries, that wouldn't be the case. I hope your treatments work and that you are able to live a long life with your daughter and husband.

People, always remember: YOU ultimately bear the burden of your treatment. It's your life and body, take an active role in your health. Don't let "authorities" bully you into bad choices.

I know what you are talking about Samantha. I had a bad experience with my surgeon, who had me in tears. I did discount her opinions, and listened to my own conclusions. So far I am 3 years NED, so I feel confident I made the right choice. You have to do what is right for you. Stay strong!

My sister also had breast cancer at a really young age and went thru very aggressive treatment that threw her into menopause. She hasn’t had a period since. They encouraged her to do this because of her age, meaning that she could withstand it better. And it worked…she is 20 years cancer free this year. She too has one daughter who is in college now. She wanted at least one more but decided that this treatment path was best and to give up that dream because it could save her life and it did. She’s never looked back and has totally thrived. Everything is your choice of course and I know that there are continuing options as time goes on thankfully. Just wanted to let you know that there is another side to this and beautiful life after menopause at any age. I wish you the best!!! Hugs!!!

Retired nurse here. I have worked with some truly remarkable doctors who had no bedside manner and some doctors who were caring and kind but didn't know their stuff. Don't judge doctors on whether you like them or not but judge them on the information given and their track record.

Hi Samantha glad to see you posted a new video. You are a strong, brave, young woman who is also a mother of a small child, wife and daughter. You have the right to decide what treatment is best for you. You know what your body didn’t handle before. No one has the right to judge your decision this time. So many of us really care about you and are praying for your cancer to be gone. God bless you and your wonderful family!

My dad had to go to Miami to try to get treatment for one of his conditions (not cancer related at all) because Miami is apparently the best place to go in Florida for some stuff… he was completely discredited, had the worst experience ever, and left feeling pretty hopeless. It’s so sad that certain people go into a field meant to serve others and then treat their patients in a terrible way. Probably one of the main reasons why so many people refuse to get medical care.

Don't discount this doctors recommendations because she was a hard ass. She was giving you her opinion on how to save your life. Her bedside manner may❤ have sucked but she may have a point in some things.

That doctor sounds extremely insensitive I’m sorry you had to go through that❤ We are exactly the same age but I’m from Scotland, I’ve been following you for years on here and on Instagram and I truly believe you will be okay. You have a great attitude and I love how authentic you are when explaining everything and talking about your feelings. You are so intuitive and know yourself very well which definitely counts for something! Sending love❤

I’m just starting my cancer journey. I was diagnosed with ILC 2 weeks ago. I am beyond appreciative of your candid videos. You’re incredibly brave. what a model your daughter has in having you to look up to. Thank you and praying for your health.

Its your body my friend. Your choice if you want to keep your ovaries. Don't let anyone pressure you to do what you dont want ❤

One thing I've learned in my 66 years is there is no clear one answer to anything in life. And this goes for cancer patients moreso. You do whatever you feel is the right thing for you. Old saying, and it's exactly what you did at this doctor's; Chew the meat and spit out the bones. Take what works for you and never be intimidated by anyone... Love and light to you✨✨✨✨✨

Extra appreciation for your VA team! Despite the delivery and total experience with the second opinion doc, it’s great that you can take the useful part of the advice and give hormone therapy another try. Wishing you all the best in the new year and many blessings with your now ONE year old!

Thinking of you Samantha❤ I admire your wisdom so much! And the fact that you are confident in doing what's right for you. You have my support 100%! Hoping all goes well with your treatment. Much love sent your way!

Thanks for being so open and sharing. I think you are honoring yourself by the decisions you are making . I support that you have made these decisions because ONLY YOU know how the medication /treatments affects you. It’s your life and your body. It should be that the medical profession considerately listens and provides appropriate guidance for patients to be thoroughly informed. I am genuinely sorry that you felt the physician did not listen to you. I think you are wise to keep reminding yourself to try and listen to her and be open to her suggestions. In the end , your decision should be supported . You are doing all you can do. Keep sharing ! Thanks and blessings to you !

You do an absolutely fantastic job with these unedited videos!!! Such a natural speaker, calming voice and so clear about your decisions. I love it. Sorry about the jerk doctor. I’ve definitely experienced that too. It’s brutal. Happy you at least got something out of it. I know you’ll do great.