Amy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

I had just turned 24 when I first noticed a lump. I was six months pregnant with my third daughter. I dismissed it as a swollen gland and so did my doctor. When I went into labor my husband told the on call doctor about my lump. The next day she scheduled an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they decided to do a biopsy and mammogram. The lump was 3 cm and came back as ductal and lobular invasive cancer stage 2. Since I had just given birth my doctors decided chemotherapy should be first. I went through 6 rounds of chemo. It took a toll on my body. I had three blood transfusions and was hospitalized for various infections.

On April 24, 2013, I had a bilateral mastectomy and chose to do reconstruction. I was sent home two days after the surgery. I had only been home one night when I went to the ER for a burning sensation in my arm. When I got there my pulse was in the 140s. I had a CT done and found a blood clot in my lung and arm. After a five day hospital stay I was sent home with daily injection of blood thinners.

I am still receiving treatment of herceptin every three weeks. I am so thankful the on call doctor didn’t ignore my husband’s concern. I have a great team of doctors who were very caring and included me in every decision that was made. It has been quite a journey but I made it through. I have been in remission for three months.

Amy
Illinois
Submitted 6-17-2013

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.