Gerie’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Hi, my breast cancer story began in March 2015, just before my 60th birthday, with an abnormal finding on my routine annual mammogram. Three days later, I was having an ultrasound. The radiologist could see something, but suggested I return in 3 months for a follow-up ultrasound to see if this was a quick changer. My husband and I did not like those words, and the next day, my husband had arranged a second opinion appointment at another larger facility in downtown Chicago.

After an appointment with a surgeon, more mammograms, another ultrasound and numerous core needle biopsies, I was told on 4/29 that I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. With all the ultrasounds and needle biopsies I’ve had the past 10 years, there was no doubt in my mind that my first course of treatment would be a double mastectomy. I wanted the cancer out of my body ASAP. I was scheduled for skin and nipple sparing surgery on 5/26.

My cancer is Stage 2A and is ER+, PR+ & HER2+ with no lymph node involvement. I began chemo therapy, Taxol and Herceptin on 7/27. Fast forward 12 weeks, and I had my last chemo on 10/14. I will continue with Herceptin treatments once every 3 weeks until July 2016 and will have my reconstruction surgery in Feb. 2016.

The stress in the early weeks while waiting to hear the news is almost unbearable. I do not wish that stress on anyone! My husband has been amazing, and I couldn’t have survived those weeks without him and his support. Also, my family and friends have been a great support during recovery from surgery and my chemo treatments! No one should go through this alone! My recovery is still not over, and my life is far from normal, but I am cancer free! I am a breast cancer survivor! I had been diagnosed and had my surgery before the “come back in 3 months” suggestion from the first facility. Early detection and a second opinion are very important.

Gerie
Illinois
Submitted 10/20/2015

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.