I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. At the age of 47, I was diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) There was no staging as it was caught very early due to me having yearly mammograms. Treatment at the time was a lumpectomy, radiation therapy and 5 years of Tamoxifen, a low dose form of chemo to help reduce the risk of a recurrence. I did everything I could to reduce that risk. I continued with regular, yearly mammograms being cognizant of the risk of return.
In 2021 I was again diagnosed with breast cancer, yet again, but this time it was a new primary on the other breast- HER2+ despite a previous mammogram a mere 8 months prior was returned as normal.
This time, felt a suspicious lump I felt in the shower that concerned me. Without hesitation, I reached out to my Oncologist and within 5 days I had a mammogram with ultrasound, a biopsy, and the results. I felt as though time and space stood still. This type of cancer although treatable was very aggressive. My breast surgeon and oncologist advised chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and radiation. Because this cancer was a different type and affected the other breast, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.
I refused to live the rest of my life wondering when it would return.
Although I had some expected side effects from the radiation 8 years prior, I was not prepared for the ones from Chemo. I jokingly say chemo alters everything in your body except your DNA. Among the many common side effects are hair loss. I rocked a short hairstyle prior, so the change was not too difficult to deal with. It’s still a huge part of your appearance but I decided to embrace the new me and shave my head anyway. A photoshoot while bald and on chemo helped me tremendously to still feel feminine and fearless, despite the current occurrences.
Navigating this journey, a second time took a huge toll on me not just physically but holistically, as I had to learn to love the new me, all of me including the scars that tell my story. I had to seek therapy to deal with the mental toll I was not prepared for. It’s an ongoing battle of the mind, will and determination.
My faith in God, my family, church family and a praying circle got me through the tough days. Breast cancer in and of itself can be scary so it’s helpful to surround yourself with positive, praying sisters (and brothers).
Do your self exams, have your yearly mammograms
and if something doesn’t feel right, chances are it’s not, so see your physician right away.
Most importantly, give yourself GRACE through it all.
