My mom was 43 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she passed away just shy of her 60th birthday. A few months after my mother was diagnosed,my great aunt was also diagnosed with breast cancer, and my grandmother had a suspicious lump in her breast but passed away from a stroke before cancer was confirmed. Needless to say, my family history was strong. I began getting mammograms at the age of 24 and throughout the years, twice the results showed suspicious areas but the end result was cysts caused by hormone pills. I was about to turn 50 and have my wellness visit, everything is routine except the results of my mammogram which warranted an ultrasound which in turn warranted a biopsy. When my doctor called and asked for me and my husband to come in, we knew then. My husband and I sat there in silence. After the words, "It's cancer," I tuned the world out. I remember saying, "I always knew I get it, but I never expected to." He nodded and I saw his mouth moving but I didn't hear a thing. Stage 1c Invasive Ductal Carcinoma was the official diagnosis.
May 14, 2013 - Double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. That was the plan. Surgery went wonderful. No cells in my lymph nodes. No chemo. No radiation. Just a tiny pill for 5 years and lots of prayers. Over the next 3 months, I endured 2 more surgeries and 4 procedures for 2 very different types of infections: staph-removal of left breast expander on July 1, 2013 and strep-removal of right breast expander on August 12, 2013 along with 11 weeks of antibiotics.
The end result: I am now healthy and I have decided that won't have any reconstruction and that I am absolutely fine without them and my husband, my rock, my strong hold...my touch-stone was there every step of the way and loves me with or without breasts. They do not define who I am.
I am a survivor and a fighter! I expect to win!
Huntington, TX