I had just moved to Pennsylvania to start a new life with my fiancé. I went for my yearly check and there was a lump in my right breast. I went for an ultrasound and got a surprise. They found a lump in my left breast as well. I went through Cat scans, mri, and pet scan. They told me I had cancer. Then, the fun began, not. I went through the initial surgery and found out that I had two types of breast cancer and lymph node involvement.
So, I had a second surgery to remove 9 lymph nodes from my right armpit. My fiancé had to take care of the drain and did it like a pro. Then, it was time for a third surgery to put in the port for my chemo. My sister came down to be with me for the first treatment. It took 6 hours and I was exhausted. When I started to lose my hair, my fiance was there to shave my head. I had a total of 6 chemo treatments and a year of herceptin therapy. There was also the six weeks of radiation therapy that wiped me out.
As soon as I finished all my treatments, I had a fourth surgery to remove the chemo port. That was 4 years ago. I'm in the homestretch now. I have a couple more years of tamoxifen and then my journey will be complete. I got married last year and couldn't be happier. I hope that hearing my story will inspire those whose journey has just begun.
A big thank you goes out to my husband for being there for me always, I love you. I also want to thank all the health care providers who helped me not be so scared.
Bethlehem, PA