After 14 years of going for my annual mammogram, on May 23, 2014 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. This was the day before my 54th birthday. There was not any breast cancer in my immediate family. I remember those words when my Dr called me. I was shocked and felt like my whole world was shattered. At first there was some concern that it had spread to my lungs and lymph nodes however after having a lymph node biopsy in July it was determined that was not the case. Some what of a relief but I still had Breast Cancer. On August 1st I had a lumpectomy and it was determined that it was Stage 1 and had not spread to any of the lymph nodes.
Thinking I was going to start 6 weeks of radiation my Oncologist wanted to have the Onocotype DX Test done to determine my chances of re occurrence. Since it was caught early and it was small I was expecting to hear that my chances were low however the test determined that I had an intermediate chance of re occurrence. My Oncologist recommended 4 rounds of chemo (Taxotere & Cytoxan) every 21 days followed by 6 weeks of radiation. My first chemo was Sept. 30th. Two weeks later my hair started to fall out. It was emotionally devastating. It was recommended that I shave my head before it got worse so that I would have control of it and it would not control me. This was great advice. I feel so blessed to have the love and support of my husband of 24 years (who has been by my side through all my appointments and surgeries) my two sons ages 21 and 15 and all of my friends and co-workers.
I have found that it is so important through this whole journey to maintain a positive outlook, to continue to fight and keep the faith as I have no doubt that I WILL beat this.
La Quinta, CA
