December 12th I went for my annual. My gyno was doing my breast exam she didn’t like this small dimple I had on my left breast. December 23rd my first mammogram. Unfortunately found a highly suspicious mass. January 2nd got a biopsy. I couldn’t believe all this was happening! I have no history in my family. I grew up thinking all we had to look for is a lump. I had no idea there are so many other oddities to look for! Finally January 10th he called me and told me the words I did NOT want to hear…”the biopsy was positive for cancer”. I chose mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. February 6th had the mastectomy and expander put in. A week later I received news from the surgeon about my lymph nodes results. 3 of 6 were positive for cancer. Oncology February 21st diagnosed me with Stage IIA Invasive ductal carcinoma ER positive. I chose the options that would fit my full time job, single mom, very tight budget life the best. I chose chemotherapy (Taxotere and Cytoxan=TC) every 3 weeks for 6 treatments then Tamoxifen for 5 plus years. Had to halt the reconstruction process to start chemo. March 19th was my first treatment. I went into this with an attitude that I want to live and I am going to do this as positively as I can! I made posters with every treatment I had and posted them to my social page for my family and friends to see how it was going. I did not however post all the pain and side effects. I felt that was unnecessary because they were just temporary problems that went away after the first week of treatment. I MADE IT! I’m officially a CHEMO/ CANCER survivor! I don’t think I would’ve made it through so well without my faith in God, Love and support from my Mom, family and friends, company family and great organizations, and my stubbornness to keep a GOOD attitude throughout this journey!
Love to all! God bless and may you be good to yourself and to others!
Kansas City, MO
