The news that I had stage 3 breast cancer hit me like a punch in the stomach. Forty-one, married, two kids, and a thriving practice. The words echoed in my head for what seemed like weeks. I felt, in the beginning, that I was living outside my body, watching as events unfolded.
My new “job” was doctor appointments and getting prepared for a TRAM mastectomy with reconstruction. The whole time I prayed that my lymph nodes were not involved. Unfortunately, I also had an axillary dissection because a few were infiltrated with the disease. I’m fortunate to have had two awesome doctors working on me at the same time. Six and a half hours later, I awoke to my husband and friends at my bedside. I felt so loved and blessed despite the fact that everything that was happening to me was beyond my control.
I started chemo on November 9th. My oncologist is tops. It’s not easy and some days are certainly better than others. With the help of Leslie Crawford Moore (How To Lose Your Hair Like a Warrior), I started dealing with the impending hair loss – which was what I was fearing most. I will have six months of chemo, followed by seven weeks of every day radiation, and, finally, five years of Tamoxifen.
This process changes you inside and out. I’m softer inside and more caring. I kiss and hug more. Though I could look at all the bad that has happened, I choose to look at the good. I cry when I need to and mourn for the life that I used to live. But today, and everyday, I embrace the new “AMY” and nourish her strength AND fragility. I am humbly blessed!
Amy
Indiana
Submitted 12-14-11
The informational content of this article 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.
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.
SO proud to be featured on the Fight Like a Girl website. Thank YOU!!!!
My daughter Sylvia is only 27. She was 6 months pregnant with her second child when she was diagnosed. She had a modified radical mastectomy 3 weeks ago and will meet with the oncologist and OBGYN tomorrow to determine if they will start chemotherapy while she is pregnant or take the baby 6 weeks early and then start Chemo. I am scared out of my mind. This should happen to me not my Baby Girl.
My prayers go up for your daughter tonight, I could not imagine what she is going through carrying a child with her through this journey . It is hard enough one carrying yourself ! I am a breast cancer survivor as of jan 30 2012. Faith and family will see her through as they did me . God is bigger than any problem we could ever face!
As I read this I had to just stop and say oh no. As
a mother I can see why you would think as you are . I am not sure why I ended up reading these post however my mom and grandmother have both had breast cancer and I know my chances are so very high so I do try to keep informed. I want you to know my grandmother had her breast removed in the 70’s and never had another reoccurrence in her life time. My mom has been cancer free for twelve years and caught her caner by routine mammogram which was six months late. Had she been on time they would have missed it and it was very small and aggressive type of cancer. I now this will not change your world right now but I want to give you examples of hope so that you get to hear of the good outcome. God bless you as a mother loving her daughter and unborn grandchild. God bless your daughter and all her concern for herself and her child.
Thank you for sharing your story Amy ….. I felt like I was reading my own story ( except I am a few years older and havet had a reconstruciton yet ) ….but still same stage 3 with lymph involvement married 2 kids .. had the same regime of treatment … I write to wish you well and say that attitude is everything … and being strong and positive arms you with what you need to face whatever is ahead of you …. I finished my treatment a year ago ….there is light at the end of the tunnel … My hair had grown back and so far all is good …I have been back at work a year … so all is as normal as it can be … and most days I even forget all about it.. just getting on with living and loving life .(every second of it :-))… Good Luck Amy xx
So proud of you and how you handle what you needed to do my thought and prayers with be with you always asking God to keep you strong in body and mind / will. Sue Stewart
Beautiful story Amy, thanks for sharing.
Amy, I love your positive attitude! It really can make all the difference! My niece was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2001, just before she turned 12. Four months later, her mom (my sister) was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy on New Year’s Eve of that year (so she could start the new year healthy). They both kept a great attitude and my brother-in-law even shaved his head in support of the girls and their hair loss (and they have a great portrait of the three of them bald!). My sister opted for a mastectomy of her other breast as prevention and chose to not have reconstruction. They are both doing great and considered cured!
Keep up the good thoughts and the positive attitude!! Surround yourself with those that love you are are positive as well. Hope you are doing well!!! Wishing you speedy remission!!