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ONE WOMAN'S STORY

Treatment for Breast Cancer Contributed to Heart and Lung Problem

Radiation treatment for Shirley Manley's breast cancer led to burned lung tissue and resultant pulmonary fibrosis with congestive heart failure

thumbnail Shirley Manley

Click here to watch and listen to Shirley's story

Click here to listen to Shirley's message to all women


"My message to every woman is to tell your doctor everything that is wrong with you. Don't hold back. And don't give up... If you take one step for your health, God will take two in your behalf. "

       -  Shirley Manley, Trenton, NJ

Shirley lost her battle to heart disease December 15, 2008 while awaiting a lung transplant. An ardent supporter of women's health, she was a volunteer for both the breast cancer awareness movement and women's heart disease. She was 60 years old. Shirley's message is transcribed below.



"My name is Shirley Manley. I am from Trenton, New Jersey and here's my story...

"I went into congestive heart failure. In 1988, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At that time, the doctors performed a lumpectomy. They thought they had removed all the cancer, but they wanted to be sure, so they wanted me to undergo six weeks of radiation. However the immediate radiation burned my skin tissue very badly, and now my doctors believe that's probably what caused my lung disease.

"My official diagnosis is 'Pulmonary Fibrosis'. Now, I didn't fit any of the mold for pulmonary fibrosis in that I never smoked, and most of the characteristics that are associated with lung disease I didn't have.

"With the lung disease, I began having bouts with congestive heart failure because as the lung disease progressed, I started having fluid build up around the lungs and around the heart.

"In April 2002, I had a stent put in to open up the blood flow to the heart. I actually had two blocked arteries and the second one they treated with medication. I apparently use oxygen because problems with the lungs cause problems with the heart and my doctor told me that my heart was working overtime so he diagnosed me to have the oxygen. And I have had oxygen since December 2004. Right now, I am on a list for transplant at Temple University, a lung transplant, I am waiting on that.

"It is very important to talk with your doctors and make sure that they are doing everything they can to help you.

"I also want to emphasize the fact that there has to be a lifestyle change with any heart disease. First of all, you have to try to manage your weight. Now, under the Temple lung transplant program, I've lost 20 lbs. They sent me into a cardiovascular exercise class, and I'm on the treadmill 30 minutes. I go twice a week. Also, I've changed my eating habits, eating more fruits, more vegetables. And that, in combined with hearing doctors, and seeing what medicines you're being prescribed.

"The most important thing is to remember to not lose hope. Do NOT give up. No matter what the situation is, God is there. He will not leave you or forsake you. Don't be afraid to do what you have to do to conquer this disease. After all, if you take one step for your health, God will take two in your behalf. Thank you."

 

   

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