I found a lump on my right breast on July 5, 2011, had a mammogram on July 11, 2011, a core biopsy on July 13, 2011, and on July 15, 2011 I got the call you never want to get. With my husband by my side, the doctor told us that I had Breast Cancer stage 1A hormone-fed and that we had caught it early. That will be a day I will never forget. It felt like time stopped right before our very eyes. On July 19, 2011 we met with the oncologist. He suggested we do genetic testing with a family history so we did the BRCA1/BRCA2 test. Two weeks later we found out that I tested positive for BRCA2. For me this meant a higher risk of ovarian cancer and a 60% chance of the right breast having cancer. It was suggested that I have a double mastectomy and that I have my ovaries removed. On August 18th, my life will change forever. I met with the obgyn on Aug 9th – awesome doctor who prayed with us. I have such a peace about this surgery. I am ready to fight this cancer (I will fight like a girl) and I will win. They will also put a port in and 4 weeks after surgery we will have the results back from the breast tissue biopsy and will see what course of chemo will be needed. I will proceed to win this journey and fight like a girl with my head high with my husband, family, and friends by my side.
Angela
Tennessee
Submitted 8-10-11
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.
My situation is very similar to the many stories I have been reading. July 11, 2011 I went for my regular mammogram. July 15, 2011 I returned back for a repeat mammogram, there was something that look suspicious. On July 20, 2011 I returned for a right breast biopsy, only to be called on July 26, 2011 with the dreaded results – Ductal carcinoma. Those 15 days were the worst of my life. At this point I had to cancel my trip to Hawaii which was to celebrate mine and my step sister’s upcoming 50th Birthday because I was scheduled for to surgery. It did not stop there, my surgeon then called to say that I should have the BRCA 1/2 testing done because of the family history of this type of cancer. Testing was done on August 15 and on August 30 those results were discussed – positive for BRCA 2. My surgeon suggested I have a bi-lateral mastectomy and then future ovarian removal so the cancer won’t return. On September 20 I had a bi-lateral mastectomy. My oncologist and I will meet in a week to discuss whether or not I will have chemo, radiation or both – depending on the results of the oncotype testing results. In the meantime I am finishing the process of reconstruction. I am still at home recovering from the surgery. Just when I thought I was at least at the top of the mountain I just figured out I was not, I am still headed up that mountain. I am going to continue my journey up this mountain and I don’t intend on giving up. My goal is to reach the top and begin to head back down with a new body and renewed spirit. With my family and friends by my side we are all fighting this together. Cancer ain’t no punk and neither am I.
Adrienne
submitted 10-20-11
I too was diagnosed ar age 36. 100% estrogen fed and also had my ovaries removed. I do nit have children and now never will. But my husband and I are OK with that. We have enough live between the two of us. I just returned to work this past week after 6 months disability. O now know my priorities have changed and it’s time to find a job helping raise funds. I really want to be an event coordinator of some kind. Being diagnosed changes life’s perspective. I want to make 100% of everyday meaningful!! God bless you all conquers. Check me out at http://www.yourhappyhearts.com.
hi my name is marian i was told last year i had cancer in the right breast , it was my worst fear i cryed all day long not nowen wht was a head of me. i then had my mastectomy. done this year in jan this year i didnt wht to look i wanted so much to be me again i keept saying why me wht the hell i dont smoke dont drink and the only thing kept me going was my sport i said come to myself meny time you will come out of this so i sat down looked up and prayed to god for the first time and said i will change my ways give me a second chance in life, in feb i got told the cancer is all gone i looked at my hubbie and said did i here right yes love you did i wht to tell every one think postive stay strong i am in now my 6 month cancer free please every one stay strong marian allan