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CHARLOTTE, NC- This week marks one year since a local mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The 38 year-old doctor says her diagnosis affects the way she works in health care. Shraddha Mehta is a wife and mother of two young boys. She says one of the hardest parts of breast cancer was explaining it to her kids. "We said that I have something growing inside my body that shouldn't be there. That I would need medication and surgery to get better and in the meantime, I would look different and I would feel different," said Mehta. Mehta's doctor found a lump in her left breast during a yearly exam last October. "Complete disbelief. You're young, you're healthy, no family history... this isn't supposed to happen to you," said Mehta. Mehta started chemotherapy in December. She got tired a lot, which led to a lifestyle change. "Playing in the yard with them. Going for rides with them. You know, taking them places. It just didn't happen quite like it used to," said Mehta. Mehta works here at Carolinas Medical Center as an OBGYN. She says her breast cancer experience has changed the way she interacts with her patients. "I definitely take a little more time with each patient. I'm a little more complete when I do the physical exams. I think the level of awareness is just higher," said Mehta. Mehta doesn't want other women to be scared, but hopes they become more aware. "The biggest risk factors are number one- being a woman. Number two- getting older.... neither of which you can control. So, I recommend everyone to stop delaying their yearly exams. Get in there and get checked,” said Mehta. Mehta finished chemo in Aril and had surgery in May. She gets treatment every three weeks and says her family helps her through it "I truly consider them, every one of them, to be co-survivors of this whole process." |
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