BREAST CANCER

 Diagnosis of Breast Cancer - Identifying the appropriate specialist and care team is one of the most important tasks to address while you are still processing the information that you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

October 11, 2025 - 8 am. I was on my way to Atlantic City with my dear friend and client, Ashley S. (I was going to judge the MR America Bodybuilding show in AC), when I received the phone call with the news that my biopsy results came back positive for 

Breast cancer -ductal carcinoma HER2-positive, grade 3, stage 1. 

 

 

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The words cannot describe how I felt in that moment - or my thought process - hmmm everything stopped … everything was still for a second or two – then fear– not me – what now – what are my options – I knew Invesive ductul carcinoma HER2+ grade 3 stage 1s a very aggressive cancer, so I knew I had a ticking bomb in my body which made me more scared and nervous. All I wanted to do in that moment was gather as much information as I could to plan my next steps -- what are my options – what are my chances of beating this – how long do I have … need to find a provider – hospital – surgeon – oncologist – radiologist, my thoughts We were racing. I just wanted to lie down, close my eyes, and be quiet to process the information, but I could not. I was in the car with my friend, so I had to compose myself to talk to her. She was comforting me, but all I wanted to do was Google "hr2+ cancer" on my phone. However, I also knew this was her week—she was competing this weekend—and I needed to pull myself together since I was judging the MR America show the next day. 

 

So, I decided to schedule my crying for Monday when I get back home and enjoy the weekend in AC, because in the end, all we have is this moment. Why ruin such a beautiful day—a beautiful event that I'm honored to judge? I decided to enjoy the weekend and worry on Monday. I told Ashley I was scheduling crying for Monday. I had a fantastic weekend.

 

 

When Monday arrived, I was overwhelmed with research. Locating providers, making calls, and scheduling left no time for worrying or crying.

 

While Googling breast cancer, MedStar appeared alongside several providers, including Inova Alexandria, Arlington, and GW, offering numerous options. As I scrolled, a photo of Christine Teal appeared on the GW website; just seeing her image made me realize she was the doctor I had been looking for. I didn’t even read anything or know much about her then, but somehow, I felt she was the one. That feeling only grew stronger after I learned more about her. I connected with her just by seeing her photo; it was so powerful. You could say I trusted her—hmm, I fell in love with who I felt she was.

I called my sister, mom, and girlfriends to tell them I had found a doctor before making an appointment with her. I remember praying to have her as my doctor.

 

 

Christine Teal, MD is board-certified in General Surgery and an associate professor with The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She currently holds the positions of Director of Breast Care Center and the Chief of Breast Surgery. She earned her medical degree at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where she graduated AOA. She completed a residency in general surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, both located in New York City. Her research has been published in the Journal of Cancer Education, American Journal of Surgery, Breast Journal, and Radiology.

Dr. Teal received the Medical Student Award in Nutrition from the New York Academy of Medicine Regional Center for Clinical Nutrition Education. She was a member of the Omicron Nu National Honor Society and the Nutritional Sciences Honors Program at Cornell University.

Other professional memberships and activities Dr. Teal is a part of include the American College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons Political Action Committee, American Society of Breast Diseases, American Society of Breast Surgeons and the Association of Women Surgeons. Dr. Teal participates on the George Washington University Hospital's Community Outreach Subcommittee and Breast Cancer Leadership Committee and is the Cancer Liaison Physician through the American College of Surgeons for the Cancer Committee.

 

  I contacted Inova, and after a couple of phone calls, I finally scheduled a meeting with Dr. S.K., MD, on 10/22/2025. The appointment went well. The Inova team is very informative and friendly. During my appointment with Dr. SK, she explained my options to me. She recommended a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. She also explained I was told that we would know more after the surgery since a biopsy would be performed, providing us with more accurate information about my cancer and whether it had spread to the surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. She was also able to schedule surgery for December 12, 2025. I asked about a double mastectomy, and she confirmed that if I chose that option, no radiation would be needed—only chemotherapy after the surgery. However, she emphasized twice that I must understand the outcomes are the same for both lumpectomy and double mastectomy. The double mastectomy does not reduce the chance of cancer returning, which conflicts with much of the information I found online suggesting that mastectomy lowers the risk. There is a 15% lower chance of cancer recurrence.

Additionally, there is a 30% higher risk of cancer returning if you undergo both radiation and chemotherapy compared to just chemotherapy. However, she never addressed this; perhaps the study and information are inaccurate. She also mentioned that if I opted for a mastectomy, I would have the option of reconstructive surgery, which includes implants or flap procedures. I replied that I preferred to remain flat. She advised me to reconsider my decision. My choice to stay flat was based on firsthand information from my clients (I’m a personal trainer) who underwent breast augmentation surgery. About 20% became addicted to Oxycodone due to the pain they experienced.

Approximately 10% experienced capsular contracture, a condition where excessive scar tissue forms around the implant, squeezing it and causing pain as well as an unnatural appearance. Thirty percent of individuals had underlying issues such as hormonal changes. I had a friend who started menopause at 30, and her difficulties began after her breast augmentation surgery. Some complained of hair loss, joint and weight changes, and anxiety, while others struggled with depression and various challenges. Only 30-40% seemed to be doing well. This is all that my clients shared with me, and my clients were cancer-free. One of my friends opened up about her story and struggles with breast implants. After years, she decided to have them removed, and immediately, she felt like herself again. She was so happy that she made the decision to take out the implants, and she shared about it on her social media. This made me consider that things might be different if I were younger. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I'm 56 years old; if I were younger, the situation would probably be quite different. I would likely opt for implants as well. But in my case at age 56, all I 

want is the strength to fight this for the rest of my life. I plan to live a long life, and I do not want to deal with breast implants or any complications that may arise from reconstructive surgery. All I want is to be able to fight for my life, be active, lift heavy things 😊, run, use saunas, and live a pain-free life... for as long as I shall live. Also, I don’t want to worry that maybe in 10 years, I will have to redo my implants. The flap procedure sounded complicated; I didn’t have enough body fat at the time, but perhaps if I gain some weight, I will consider it. Overall, I'm thankful to the Inova team for their time, and I admit that I’m trying to schedule another appointment with GW and will inform them of my decision afterward.

 

 

Finally, I was so happy when I got an appointment with Dr. Christine Teal on November 28th. I could hardly wait. At last, the day arrived. The moment she stepped into the room, I knew with absolute certainty that she was the one I could trust—it's hard to explain how she looked at me and talked and radiated so much confidence, knowledge, understanding, competence, and warmth.  

She explained my options and agreed with both of my choices—mastectomy and no breast reconstructive surgery.  

I felt she would have chosen the same if she had to make a choice. She did not say so, but I thought it. After my surgery, I read her book No Longer Radical (Understanding Mastectomies and Choosing the Breast Cancer Care That Is Right for You ), and I discovered that she had lost her mom to breast cancer. Her mom had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and chemotherapy, and was cancer-free until a second cancer returned in her right breast, which was found to be stage 4. In the book, she shares her thoughts that maybe if her mom had undergone a double mastectomy, she would still be alive. However, it is impossible to know for certain. There's always a possibility. She also underwent a double mastectomy as preventive surgery, expressing concern that there may be a genetic mutation, even though she tested negative for BRCA. However, we still don’t know enough about other genetic factors.  

All this now made sense to me; I felt so understood by her.  

She also explained that I would stay a minimum of 23 hours after the Surgery in the hospital for observation, which is crucial, as most complications occur in the first 24 hours. At Inova, they would send me home right after the surgery, which is quite scary for me. So, she had already reassured me, but with this new information, I felt 200% safe and had no worries at all—I had complete confidence that my surgery would go well.

This is very important. Did I mention I practice Buddhism? I meditate twice daily, which teaches me to believe in a good outcome; there is no fear, as fear brings negative energies. We are all so powerful if we only trust our potential and strength.

 I decided not to dwell anymore  or ask questions like "Why me?" Cancer is not outside of me; it's a part of me, and now I must accept my life as it's. This is an opportunity to improve my life, understand it, and love it as it is. NO FEAR…it is not easy to not worry, and to realize that worry is bringing negative energies so so hard to overcome, but with meditation and complete trust in the universe, it's possible. NMRK  

 

 

So, my surgery was scheduled for November 12 (not December 12, which Inova offered). Dr. Christine T. asked why we had to wait this long; this cancer needs to be removed as soon as possible. Since I have invasive HR2+ cancer, it's like having a ticking bomb inside me. Now, I have exactly two weeks until surgery. I was thrilled because I wanted this cancer to be addressed immediately. Before I left the office, I asked Dr. Christine T. if I could travel to Las Vegas the weekend before the surgery to judge the Natural Olympia. She smiled and said, "Yes, why not?" I have already scheduled a full-body detox at Active Healing Place in Danvers for Sunday, November 3, before my trip, when I will take an early flight to Boston. From there, it’s a 20-minute drive to Danvers, MA. The owner, Sargent Goodchild, opened his office for me on Sunday because he knew. On Wednesday and Thursday, I was supposed to be in Las Vegas. At 2 pm on Sunday, we began with the ion cleanse foot bath, infrared sauna, Sonic Life whole-body vibration, PEMF therapy, EWOT therapy, and more.

Sergeant Goodchild was amazing and consistently went above and beyond to assist me. When my surgery date changed from December 12 to November 12, he rescheduled all of his appointments to help me prepare. Additionally, I had to be in Las Vegas from November 7 to November 10. Overall, I experienced an intense yet relaxing four days. My diet consisted solely of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. The only meat I consumed was fish. I avoided dairy, eggs, red meat, and other processed foods, among other things. I'm a true believer in the science of medicine, and I also embrace a holistic approach. I trust my doctors and their recommendations, but it's also my responsibility to ensure my body is ready and strong to undergo the treatments they suggest. We all have to do our part; if I do mine, it will be easier for the doctors to support me. I'm also planning to go back to MA and the Active Healing Place for detox after my chemotherapy.

 

                   

 

I flew back to D.C. on Wednesday, November 6th, but my flight was delayed, so I didn’t get home until 1 am on November 7th and had to repack without any sleep. My older son traveled with me to Las Vegas, where we caught a 5 am flight over Denver. We also faced delays in Denver, which meant we arrived in Las Vegas four hours later and missed my meeting with the judge. I was exhausted. Over the next two days, Friday and Saturday, I judged a fantastic bodybuilding show, the Natural Olympia, from early morning to late at night. On Sunday, my older son and I attended an early morning reception at the event, which gave us the afternoon to explore Las Vegas, as he had never been there before (this was my fifth visit). We had a 10:00 p.m. flight that brought us back home the following day, Monday, November 11, 2024. I managed to pack for surgery, lol. The next day was my surgery—somehow, the timing worked perfectly. I was so busy that I didn’t have time to worry about the surgery or anything else, and my days were so long that I would fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow at night. 

P.S. Everyone at the show couldn’t believe I was diagnosed with breast cancer because I looked so happy. (I was thrilled. I told myself that we all have our moments, and I will enjoy every second of my life.) They also couldn’t believe that I’m facing surgery on 11/12/24, literally the day after my trip. I replied, "This is perfect, as I have no time for fear."

 

 

November 12 arrived – everything happened so quickly. I woke up to Dr. C.T.'s face hovering above me. She took my hand and said the surgery went well; there was no cancer in the lymph nodes. It was an excellent outcome, and I began to cry tears of relief. I wanted to hug her; I wanted to reach out to her, but I couldn't due to my surgery. My excellent partner, Mark, was by my side, providing incredible support. I feel fortunate to have such a wonderful family, including my sons, partner, sister, mother, and friends.

 

They moved me to my room, and I wasn't in any pain. The GW Hospital team was terrific; they checked on me frequently. The food was great, and I was pleasantly surprised to feel no discomfort. The pain management they provided was excellent.

The nurse informed me that Dr. Christine Teal had come to check on me while I was sleeping and covered me with an extra blanket. That touched me—she is such a loving, caring person. 

 

      

 

Later that same day, she came with her team to check on me and made me look at my surgery incision—the kind that makes you feel afraid and unprepared to see yourself flat without breasts. She held my hand and encouraged me to look in the mirror, saying, "You are beautiful." I remember gazing at my body and flat chest; her words helped me see myself as beautiful. She declared, "You won, Medina..." This is so important because I later discovered that my girlfriend, who underwent the same surgery for the same cancer but was at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, still hadn’t looked at herself a month after her surgery because she wasn't ready. When I shared that my surgeon had me look at myself that same day, she fell silent. This approach was beneficial; I'm, and I’m very comfortable with myself and my body. I love MY body. I appreciate my body. All I want is to live a life free from pain. Thank you, Dr. Christine Teal.  

Thank you for all that you do.  

My surgery went well, and there were no complications afterward. The biopsy results were excellent: no cancerous cells were found in the surrounding tissue, and my cancer shrank from 11 mm to 7 mm. I believe my holistic approach and detox at Active Healing in Denver, along with changes to my diet, maintaining a positive outlook on life, and my meditations and prayers—Nam Myoho Renge Kyo—prevented fear from entering my body. All these factors contributed to shrinking the cancer right before the surgery.  (mammogram August 15: 11 mm; biopsy October 1st, 11 mm; mammogram October 24th ,11 mm; after surgery biopsy: 7 mm). The diagnosis was grade 1A cancer. Every weekly check-up went great. GW Breast Cancer Care and the hospital team were outstanding. I'm fortunate to have chosen the GW medical team and my doctor, Christine T. She recommended an oncologist, Walaa Adhara, and I'm currently under her exceptional care. I will share more about the wonderful oncology and infusion teams soon. In short, I’ve completed my ninth week, and I have three more to go until I finish chemotherapy. I’m so happy I chose GW for my medical care team.

 

 

 

 

I strongly recommend 

GW COMPREHENSIVE BREAST Care Center 

2300 M St. NW Washington DC 

20037 

Phone number 202 741-3270