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Brandy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

I was watching my favorite show, Wentworth, for the 6th time, and one of the characters found a lump, which turned out to be cancer. I never check myself, but I finally did.

Well, I found a lump in September. I didn’t do anything about it because it scared me. Both my grandma and mom had breast cancer. My grandma passed away from it, and my mom is a 10-year survivor. I finally decided to go to my doctor. I saw her in November, and she said the lump was probably nothing, since it moved. She ordered a mammogram. During my mammogram, I was told I needed a biopsy.

After that, I went to my doctor again on December 29th, and she told me, “It’s cancer.” I knew it was before she told me. Of course, I cried and worried because I am a single mom of a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old. I am my kids’ only parent, and all I did was worry about them.

From that point, all of the doctor’s appointments started. I had a double mastectomy on February 22nd. My cancer was only in my left breast, but I wanted them both gone. My surgeon got the cancer out, all of the margins were clear. He removed 7 lymph nodes, and there was only a small amount of cancer in the 7th node. My oncologist said I should do chemo.

On April 17th, I started my treatment. My last treatment was October 9th. I kicked cancer’s ass. I am only 41—40 at the time of diagnosis. I wasn’t ready to go. I had to fight like a girl for my kids.

Brandy
California
Submitted 11/02/2017

This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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One comment

  1. Margie

    What an amazing lady you are! Thank you for sharing your story to help others!

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