My diagnosis
I was diagnosed in 2015 after my very first mammogram. I was 40 years old at the time and had no idea what to expect. Boy, did it hurt! After the mammogram, the technician returned and performed an ultrasound. This was at an off-site facility, and the team scheduled an appointment for me at the Breast Clinic at the main hospital that same week. I had a feeling that there might be something going on. I later had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation and tamoxifen.
In November 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again after a routine MRI. This time, I was much more surprised because my Oncotype Recurrence Score was only 11. I did genetic testing twice and both results were negative. Thankfully, my medical team was very diligent with screenings.
Hearing the word cancer is never easy. However, I watched my father beat leukemia when I was 14, and he is still in remission. I truly believe that positive thinking, prayer, and trust in your medical team are imperative to surviving the journey.
My treatment
After being diagnosed in November 2022, we initially started with Tamoxifen until my estrogen levels dropped, and now I am on Arimidex and Zoladex (injection every three months), which has placed me into medical menopause.
My mastectomy and reconstruction (using tissue expanders) were performed in March 2023. I went through four rounds of TC (Taxol-Cyclophosphamide), which I tolerated well.
In late August 2023, I developed a seroma in my breast and a staph epidermidis infection involving the tissue expanders. On October 9, 2023, I had a tissue expander-to-implant exchange, but I developed another staph infection and was hospitalized for 10 days to receive IV antibiotics.
I am very thankful to my breast cancer team for their diligence. I trust them completely, and I believe they are the best. I just happened to have some minor complications.
The importance of early detection
Screenings are so important. I am incredibly thankful that the physician’s assistant recommended doing a MRI as an added precaution. It could have progressed much further, making treatment far more intensive and challenging.
I did 4 rounds of TC (taxol-cyclophosphamide). I tolerated it well. Although, I ran/walked throughout treatment. My biggest challenge was not having the same energy level before starting treatment. I did lose my hair, but had a lot of fun wearing wigs.
Challenges and bright spots
My bright spot was wearing very colorful wigs. I was a brunette one day, a blonde the next, and even had a purple and pink wig. It made getting ready so much easier.
My advice to other women facing breast cancer is…
Stay positive. Stay active. Stay vigilant. You can and will get through this!
Breast cancer has taught me…
Breast cancer has taught me to embrace life fully—take trips, spend time with family, stay positive, and make the most of every moment!