A few months ago, while in the shower, I felt a hard mass. It didn't feel like a tumor or a cyst so I didn't think anything about it. I kept having a nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I needed to go have it checked out so I found an OB/GYN. During my appointment, the doctor made a comment that concerned me. She said, "it's probably nothing but we need to do further testing." The very next day, I found myself going through 2 diagnostic mammograms, an ultrasound, and a vacuum core needle biopsy. When all the test results were in, I was shocked to learn that I had stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
I was sent to a breast specialist next and after talking with her, surgery was scheduled for August 9. I was to have a bilateral mastectomy performed with lymph node removal. My surgery went well, but when the lymph node pathology report came back, there was evidence of metastatic carcinoma.
With no history of Breast Cancer in my family, I am still in shock over my diagnosis. The doctor has said I will definitely need to undergo radiation treatments and anti-hormone therapy. We are currently waiting on test results from an Oncotype DX to determine the probability rate of recurrence in the future and whether or not chemotherapy would be effective. Waiting is the hard part but I should know something next week. I am determined to win the battle with Cancer! I have my survivor's cap on, my support team behind me, and I just know I can do this!
I am thankful for the brave women who've already traveled this path ahead of me. Their strength, determination, and wisdom give me hope for a bright future. I'm proud to be part of the pink sisterhood!
Newnan, GA
