Thanksgiving evening 2006 as I was taking a shower, and doing the regular check, I felt a lump on my left breast. I said to myself, “I did not feel that yesterday!” The next day I called and scheduled an appointment with my Primary Care Physician. Little did I know the next two weeks would go by so quickly. December 13th it was confirmed I had Triple Negative and would need a lumpectomy. 37 Radiation treatments and 12 rounds of ACT later, I was so happy to be on the other side looking back. Little did I know six years later, I would find another lump in my left breast. On March 19, 2013 I had a bilateral Mastectomy, and started chemo six weeks later. I will be having my third chemo next week. I have one more round, and I’ll be finished with chemo on June 26, 2013.
If it were not for all of my earthly angels and my positive attitude, I know that I would not be anywhere near where I am today. My mother was my angel through it all in 2007. Likewise, I hate to see her worry and hurt and feel so helpless as she watches me go through treatment. My 13 year old son, Zachary, was such a trooper in 2007, and now he is truly a big supporter. To my oldest son, Nathaniel, thank you for being there through all of this.
Add to my life partner, and caretaker, and the love of my life, you amaze me everyday. I know that this is so hard for you as you feel so helpless, thank you for being there each step of the way. I love you!
To each woman or man reading this, if you are newly diagnosed, I know it’s scary. Fight like a girl, and don’t give into the negative thoughts or words of others. Pull yourself up to the plate, even on those days you want to say no more and beat it. To those who are reading to gain support for a loved one that may be going through it: Hold our hand, support us even on the days we just have had enough, you are our rock.
Remember: Fight Like a Girl!
Carol M
California
Submitted 6-5-2013
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.
Thank you for sharing your story and God bless you. I too am TNBC. I was diagnosed in November of 2012. Had a lumpectomy, 8 rounds of chemo and am now on my 17th out of 33 radiation treatments. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this again, and pray that this is your final “round” with this dreaded disease. I know that those of us with TNBC have a bigger risk of getting it back than other types of breast cancer, and that is one of my biggest fears too. Seeing how you are fighting back once again, my heart breaks for you and I pray even harder for myself, that I don’t have to fight it again too. It’s a horrible disease. Like you I have had amazing support from my family (unfortunately some of them must have thought my disease was contagious though because they disappeared during treatment) and friends. God bless you and I pray for a complete recovery for you and no more recurrences.