Graceann’s Story (Breast Cancer)

At the age of 44 I had my first mammogram. The doctor called to say that I had to come back, so I waited until after Christmas and went alone. After the mammogram they did an ultrasound, then they placed a clip inside at a site that looked suspicious, I left there thinking this is not good!

Four days later my doctor called and said, “You have breast cancer! I am setting you up with a surgeon next week.” I never questioned “why me” or cried, at least not until my son found out accidentally through a text. He was terrified and was inconsolable, begging me not to die. I assured him that God was not ready for me yet and to lean on him for strength, just as I was doing. Believe me the surgery was not bad the first time, but when the margins were not clean we went back in and the drains were very uncomfortable.

I had stage 2 invasive ductal and lobular tumors with lymph node involvement . I had four rounds of chemo and six weeks of radiation. It was tough and took a lot out of me.  I suffer from chemo brain, bone pain from neulasta shots, and anxiety. I am coping with it and I am on tamoxifen to suppress the estrogen as I am her2 positive.

I finished treatment two years ago today, and although the road ahead is untraveled I find that I want to laugh and smile more, I want to be with my family and friends, I want to build memories, and I want to enjoy life! There’s always going to be a few bad days where those fears creep in, but the good days outweigh them. If your feeling scared, anxious, or unsure, it’s okay ! We have all been there. Just know that it will get better, and just try to smile and lean on the people who love you! Join a support group, know that someday there will be a cure, and hope that no one will ever have to join our pink club! But until then stay strong and positive! God bless!

Graceann
Massachusetts
Submitted 07/28/2013

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.