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Amy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

amys-story-breast-cancerI hope to be an encouragement to other women fighting this fight with me. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2020. The exact same time the COVID-19 pandemic started. I had my first mammogram at 40, which was normal. I am 41 and went in for my routine mammogram. It came back abnormal and requested I come in for additional scans. From there, I went in for another mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor asked me to come back the next day for a biopsy.

I was at work when I got the call and all I heard was “cancer”. I crumbled to my knees in tears and all I could think about was my 6-year-old daughter (5 at the time), my 21-year-old son (20 at the time), and my husband. I was given the option of lumpectomy or mastectomy. Genetic testing was next due to my age. My genetic testing came back with a Chek2 gene mutation. My BRCA was negative. There isn’t much research on the Chek2 gene at this point, except knowing the increased chance of recurrence. I am also at an increased risk for colorectal, ovarian and kidney cancer.

With that information provided to me, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy. As I sit here and share my story my surgery is coming up on July 16th. I will not know whether or not I need chemotherapy or radiation until after the surgery. I am anxious, nervous, and scared, but giving up isn’t an option for me. I want to live for my little girl and my adult son.

My faith in God is helping me through and I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. My hope is that I may be a comfort to other women fighting this fight as we are all in this together. There is nothing more beautiful than women supporting women! For any women that will read this story; I am in this fight with you and I will fight alongside you!

You are STRONG, SMART, BRAVE and remember you GOT this.

Sisterly Love,
Amy
IN
Submitted 07/06/2020

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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5 comments

  1. Aimee

    My name is Aimee as well and March 2020 at 52, I was also diagnosed. I have a strong family history and knew I was at a higher risk then the average woman. March 2019 my mammogram was normal, by March 2020 right at the start of Covid-19 it came back with a spot. I immediately had a diagnostic mam and biopsy. In 1 years time it went from nothing to the size of a quarter. I also received the call during work, but we had already moved to working from home. March 26th, The dr said you have Ductal carcinoma in situ and we already made you an appt with a cancer dr for the following week. It felt like someone had punched me in the chest. We immediately did my genetic testing and I have Bard1 positive and estrogen and progestrone positive just like my mother, and grandma. Due to family history on May 26th I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction expanders put in. The experience was LONELY because no loved ones except those that lived within my household we allowed around me for 3 weeks prior to surgery and during my recovery, (which was my oldest son and husband). My other 2 grown boys and their girlfriends stood in my front yard with signs the morning of surgery as I sobbed.
    No one was allowed at the hospital where I stayed for 2 days. I cried and cried…but I also knew there is a reason for everything even when we do not understand the reason at the time. And its been a bumpy journey but I have found that I am stronger and braver then I ever thought I was. I did not need any additional treatment because they removed everything during the mastectomy.

    You have this! You are strong, beautiful and a BADASS WARRIOR! We are just part of the Pink superheroes that Kicked Ass before us!!! All positive energy, vibes and prayers are heading your way. And we shouldn’t be ashamed of our scars it just means we went to battle and won!

    • Gennie

      Thank you Aimee for sharing. I pray that your well.

  2. Allison

    I am as proud of you as I can possibly be!!!

    • Linda

      You are a bad ass warrior! I was diagnosed the same. I am meeting with a surgeon next week. Two of my aunts on my Mom’s side had breast cancer. My Mom died of endometrial cancer. We are strong and will fight like girls!

  3. Gennie

    Thank you Allison! You are amazing!

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