I was 45 on Nov 27, 2013 when I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had lost my job that same month. Breast cancer has a large presence on my mom's side of the family. I was also fresh in love with a man I had met 5 months earlier. I really had no idea which way this journey was going to start or end. I immediately feared the worst, as I did most every step there after.
My boyfriend was amazingly supportive and a rock for me. It was also an amazing distraction to be so deeply in love and happy at the time of my diagnosis. Instead of fear and sadness consuming me, I was able to proceed with a smile on my face most of the time. Of course, there were times when I was alone and feeling sorry for myself that I would have my break downs. There were good and bad days.
As my journey has unfolded, I have felt increasingly lucky. The characteristics of my cancer were all good. It was a small tumor, hadn't spread, and was not aggressive. I chose a bilateral mastectomy. That surgery was on March 18, 2014 at age 46. This was the part that most scared me. I had no idea how or if I was going to be able to handle the loss of my breasts. I wasn't sure how long it would be before I removed the covers off the mirrors and would be able to surface. I told a lot of my friends and family I would see them in 6 months.
Since my surgery, I feel stronger and more empowered than I ever have in my life. I sport this 11 year old chest like a champ. I wear it proud like a warrior might sport battle wounds. Who would of thought? Not me.
I had a nipple and skin sparing mastectomy. I hope to begin the reconstruction process next month. No radiation treatment is necessary and minimal chemo if any. May God bless and thank you.
Safford, AZ