I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer. I felt a lump in my right breast in the beginning of this year (2013) but was reassured that because of my young age it was more than likely fibrosis tissue and was completely normal. I was seen by a doctor in early September as it was becoming more and more worrisome. This doctor ordered a mammogram and the turmoil began. I had four tumors in my right breast and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. Surgery confirmed I had a positive lymph node which was a bummer to the treatment because it ensured I would need to go through chemotherapy for 16 weeks, starting November 6th. I will then go through 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. After radiation I will have a couple reconstruction surgeries.
My husband was diagnosed with malignant melanoma September 2012. He underwent two surgeries at which point they determined that the melanoma had spread to his auxiliary lymph nodes. He had lymph nodes removed and after two surgeries he started chemotherapy in January of this year, 2013. His initial treatment consisted of IV infusions 5 days a week for 4 weeks. After that he went directly into giving himself injections at home 3 days a week which would last 11 months. His treatment makes him feel like he has the flu. It is hard sometimes for him because with his treatment he did not loose his hair making him seem "normal" on the outside but feeling like a 90 year old man on the inside.
We have been through so much but through it all have stuck together and made the most out of our situations! It has taught us so much about life, love and family. My husband and I are currently going through treatment together. He finishes up the end of December and my chemo will end February 13th! We would love to be an inspiration for people battling cancer and share our story to inspire others to fight.
Gresham, OR
