Neuro ophthalmologist, Dr. Jasmine Gopwani, opens up about her personal journey with breast cancer in an interview. This insightful conversation, accompanied by a photo taken by Reco Moore, was originally published on October 30, 2022.
Dr. Gopwani considers herself fortunate to have gone through what her friends described as the “best case scenario” when it comes to breast cancer. After a two-year battle, which included surgery and successful treatment, she still grapples with the roller coaster of emotions she experienced during the ordeal. As a professional, wife, and mother of two, the emotions surrounding her experience remain ever present.
“There were a lot of emotions, and I still deal with them,” she admits. “I now have to undergo scans every six months instead of every year, and my future risk is increased due to my history with breast cancer. So, these tests – the repeated mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs – come with a heightened sense of anxiety. It’s a life-changing experience, and I will have to live with it forever.”
Beginning in her thirties, Dr. Gopwani made the decision to start doing routine mammograms once she turned 40. She explains, “Through medical school, my practice, and my current work, I have encountered many women who develop breast cancer at a young age. I often see cases where brain tumors have spread from the breasts. So, leading up to the age of 40, I had become very aware of the importance of early screenings.”
Once she reached 40, Dr. Gopwani began getting yearly mammograms. Despite not having a family history of breast cancer and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she wanted to be proactive in her healthcare. She points out, “Even though I was doing everything right in terms of reducing the risk, I still wanted to make sure. Women have the option to start mammograms at 40, although it is usually recommended when you are older.”
After her first mammogram at 40, she continued with yearly screenings at 41 and opted for an ultrasound at 42 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at 43, her mammogram revealed calcifications that were not present on previous scans. This led to a follow-up ultrasound, which revealed a tumor. A biopsy confirmed “ductal carcinoma in situ,” the earliest form of breast cancer.
Reflecting on the diagnosis, Dr. Gopwani remembers, “The ultrasonographer was concerned about the calcifications present and focused the ultrasound on that area. It was there that she found the mass and recommended a biopsy.” The biopsy took longer than expected, and during that time, Dr. Gopwani contacted her husband, Chris Gibbs, to inform him of the abnormal findings. She remained matter-of-fact, as her primary concern was for her son.
While waiting for the biopsy results, Dr. Gopwani messaged her mother, who tried to reassure her. However, deep down, she knew what the results would reveal. The biopsy was sent overseas to determine if the cancer was invasive. Thankfully, it was not. As Dr. Gopwani explains, “The tumor margins were clear, putting me at an early stage of cancer.” She attended a follow-up appointment with her colleague, Dr. Margaret O’Shea, to discuss treatment options.
During the appointment, Dr. Gopwani expressed her willingness to undergo a mastectomy if necessary. She joked with Dr. O’Shea about getting a non-cancerous pair in their place. Ultimately, she did not require a mastectomy and instead had the tumor locally excised, minimizing disfigurement. She proudly wears her scar as a reminder of her journey.
After leaving the doctor’s office with a bandage on her chest, Dr. Gopwani’s emotions overwhelmed her. She and Chris took a walk outside their home, where she expressed her fear of not being there for her children in the future. As she recalls, “That was probably the worst day. Knowing I had these two little ones at an age when they really needed their mother. The emotions were all over.”
Dr. Gopwani’s father, a retired ear, nose, and throat surgeon, initially struggled to process the news. However, as positive test results came in, he grew happier. She then set her sights on receiving radiation treatment to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. She opted for the linear accelerator, a specialized machine not available in Barbados, and traveled to Miami for the treatment.
Explaining her choice, Dr. Gopwani says, “Radiation treatments must be targeted because your breasts are close to vital organs like the heart and lungs. Complications can arise if the radiation is not precise. Most oncologists recommend seeking radiation with a linear accelerator, rather than the cobalt radiation available locally for other tumors.” She received a shortened two-week course of targeted, partial breast radiation.
Throughout her journey, Chris stood by her side. Following radiation, Dr. Gopwani began hormone suppression treatment, taking tablets for the next five years to decrease the risk of cancer recurrence. While initially hesitant due to menopause-like symptoms, she prioritized her life over temporary discomfort.
As a young woman with no significant risk factors for developing breast cancer, Dr. Gopwani also opted for genetic testing. Fortunately, all results came back negative, relieving her concerns about passing the gene on to her five-year-old daughter, who will need to be screened regularly.
Dr. Gopwani’s journey with breast cancer has been filled with ups and downs, but she remains grateful for the support of her loved ones and the positive outcomes she has experienced. Her story serves as an inspiration for others facing similar battles, reminding them that they are not alone on this challenging path.
