On 4/26/2016, I went in for my first ever mammogram. No family history and no reason other than my doctor said it was time to start getting them. On 5/2, they called me back for a second image. On 5/3, I had the second image and was immediately pulled into a room with the doctor and radiologist, who proceeded to tell me they had found suspicious microcalcifications and I needed to have a biopsy.
On 5/9, they biopsied the area in my left breast, and on 5/11, two days before my 41st birthday, the doctor called to tell me I had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). On 6/10, I underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer.
A week later, I am healing up from the surgery and am scheduled for my post-op and radiation planning session at the end of the month. This has been a hard year. The first day of spring break, while playing volleyball with my 13-year-old daughter, I sustained a grade 2 sprain of the LCL and MCL in my left knee. I lost my dad the night before Easter Sunday, and two days before my birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sometimes, I wonder why I am going through all of this. It hurts, and it’s painful on so many levels. But I believe that there is purpose in all things. I have an amazingly supportive husband, who has fought for my best interests every step of the way. I have family members and friends who have held me up in prayer, brought meals, watched my kids and listened to me. Above all, I know that I am blessed to live this life. My prognosis is very good, and I have an amazing medical team. I want to do the best with my time, to tell those I love how I feel, to show them and not wait. My hope is that I will be better and help others become better. Cancer is scary, but we can empower ourselves by taking control of our health. Get your mammos, ladies, and fight like a girl!
Charlotte
Idaho
Submitted 06/16/2016
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.
Dear Charlotte,
You have cancer “it “does not have you!
You seem to have an abundance of love from family, friends and great medical team ! You have a gift for writing , keep writing to others we positively need you to spread the word for breast examination!
KEEP FIGHTING LIKEA GIL CHARLOTTE !!
Hugs and kisses from Canada!
Brigitte xx
Oops! Sorry Charlotte hehe I meant KEEP FIGHTING LIKE A GIRL !♡♥♡♥
NOT Gil ! Haha
Brigitte xx
I start radiation today and feel for you. It never seems like just one thing can happen but all at once. On the plus side after my 33 treatments I can begin the healing process and you will be there soon too. We have got this girl! We know how to fight like a girl! xoxo
Teresa
Hello Charlotte out stories sound so similar my diagnosis went down the same way exactly I found out 4 days before my birthday which was June 6th and on June 9th I was having surgery for a lumpsectomie and remove lymph nodes I will begin radiation about mid July. I had just finished up in late March treatments with my dad due to bladder cancer and in the midst of all my diagnosis I lost my job on June 14th due to closer and moving out of country, so trust me I know what it feels like to feel everything happening at once, we don’t know the reason but god had a plan, so yes we will fight like a girl and get through this I wish u well. Tammy
Our dates are so close 5/3 was my official diagnosis date. 6/10 double mastectomy.