After a personally challenging year, I made a commitment to myself that 2014 would be a time to focus on me. As a healthy, married 45-year old mother of three girls, I started working out 5 days/week and lost 18 pounds. Life was good!
A routine mammogram on 8/4 was determined abnormal. This was concerning to me as I had been feeling breast changes over the past few months. A follow-up diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound on 8/18 revealed 3 masses in my right breast that the radiologist told me she was 95% confident were malignant. I was scared and felt alone and helpless. A biopsy on 8/26 confirmed my worst fear – invasive, ductal carcinoma. Final pathology revealed the tumor type to be HER-2 negative, ER/PR positive – my breast surgeon assured me my cancer was treatable and that I would be fine. I wanted to believe him but it all did not seem real to me.
On 9/24, I elected to have a double mastectomy with tissue expanders. The choice was difficult but made easier when considering my family and desire to live a long life. Surgery was successful and my lymph nodes were negative. My recovery was manageable with the help of my husband, family and friends.
On 10/3, my tumor was sent out for an Oncotype genomic test to determine probability of recurrence and potential need for chemotherapy. For two weeks, my mind swirled with emotions – how would I respond to chemo, what effect would it have on my body, would I lose my hair, what would my children think? I kept the focus on my recovery and focused on the love, support and prayers for me. On 10/20, my oncologist informed me that my Oncotype score was low and that chemotherapy was not necessary. I was extremely relieved and now take tamoxifen and will be closely monitored for the next few years.
By relying on my inner strength and prayer, a great team of physicians, and an unbelievable support network I am now cancer free and can look forward to a long, happy life!
Dublin, PA
