In November 2013 I had 4 inches of my left breast removed, nipple, areola and 2 lymph nodes removed. I was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Metastatic carcinoma in one lymph node; DCIS involves nipple epidermis (Paget disease of the nipple).
January 3rd my first chemotherapy. I felt like “YAY, the 2nd day of January I get a power port and the 3rd day of January I get to have chemotherapy!” What a way to start a new year out! I was having severe reactions to the three chemotherapy drugs (Taxotere, Herceptin and Carboplatin) two hospital visits later I had to switch to just Taxol and Herceptin weekly. Radiation started at the end of started at the end of July and ended on September 8th, still doing the Herceptin once every three weeks. While Herceptin did not have the severe side effects as other chemotherapy drugs, it still DOES have some effects. I think the one thing I want people to know is, I believe, the effects chemotherapy and radiation have on you is really contingent upon how you are to start with. I have a predisposition to back pain due to Degenerative Disk Disease, and joint pain from arthritis. I also had a predisposition to skin infections.
One whole year later, on December 24th I am finally done with my chemotherapy! I don’t want to continually watch around every corner looking for this to happen again, but the truth of the matter is; it could just come back when it wants to, and there is simply nothing I or anyone can do about that. I refuse to live my life bowing down to cancer. I fought like a girl once, and I will continue to do it. This hasn’t beaten me and as long as I’m strong enough to do it, IT NEVER WILL! All my strength comes from God above and my wonderful support system of Friends and Family. And I thank them for their love and care.
Milwaukee, WI
