Almost every day I read someones story, their fight against this horrible disease. Today, after reading another inspirational message, I decided it was time to share my story, in hopes that others out there will see that there are more options than sitting back and waiting for breast cancer to take control... For me, it was all about choosing my time to fight....
My family history of breast cancer was long. I've lost my mother, and several members of my fathers family have fought this battle. Like everyone reading this, I've lost friends and supported others who have come through their fight successfully. So, after more than 6 years of mammos, ultrasounds, MRI's, biopsies and lumpectomies, including an MRI the day before my wedding, I decided I had enough of the waiting....
In March of this year, after finding two new suspicious masses that required lumpectomies, I consulted my breast surgeon about a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. After a genetic counselor confirmed that my risk rate was estimated at 67%, my insurance approved the procedure! I already felt like a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders! In May I underwent the mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. All of the tissue was tested, and while a third mass was found - nothing was cancerous! I had beaten the cancer to the first punch! No radiation, no chemotherapy - just one surgery!
First and foremost, I'm grateful... I thank my husband and amazing family for believing in my decision and for the love and support through the crazy process.... as well as two pretty amazing doctors who worked through all of this with me. It's been almost 5 months now, life is back to "normal" - whatever that is - and the healing is (mostly) done...
My message? In my mind, the choice was easy. It was time to Fight like a Girl! I know I'll always have the scars - but for the first time in my adult life, I'm no longer waiting and wondering when it will be my turn to fight. I chose when to fight and have no regrets!
Clark, NJ
