OK, sorry, but here is a teacher's point of view...
Were you absent for five classes? How many classes were there for the semester? How long were the classes? Did you ever ask her or one of the top students if you missed anything critical by being late? Were you 20-30 min late (be honest) and only five minutes away from the classroom?
I have issues every semester with students who are late, leave early, absent and don't contact me about missed work, don't ask others if they missed anything critical, or ask other weak students what they missed. Then if I hunt them down and give them, in writing, assignments to make up the missing work and a written deadline (I give them 1-2 weeks, depending on what they missed), most students now come back to me with, "Huh? What? You never told me!" But, ah, yes, I use a triplicate form now, and here is a copy.
I just turned this semester's grades in and 40% of the students are incomplete and have not passed due to missed, written deadlines (all due Dec 4!). None of them have their arms in a cast or any reason....they never even bothered to contact me. The dean of students suggested I also give one an additional assignment, to write a paper on the importance of communication with teachers and in the future as a licensed professional, with clients, when one is going to be absent or late.
I notified them today. I'm expecting a lot of whining. I'm personally sick of it.
Not saying you are in this category, but at least know what your teacher deals with. And be honest about your role in it. Or she may just be a raging....um....female doggie.