Kim’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Hi, I am the mother of 2 young boys. When I was 46, I found a lump under my arm. After having it checked and about a million tests, I was diagnosed with IDC.

I did 6 months of chemotherapy every week for about 4 hours. I lost my hair, and my anxiety level was absurd. I was fortunate to have wonderful caregivers, including my husband, who attended every chemo session. I was in a clinical trial for prevention of neuropathy and had to wear ice mitts and ice socks. It was very painful at times, but he kept me under control. I also have my boys, my mom and our aunt and uncle, who cooked for us every week on chemo day.

After chemo, I had a lumpectomy and then did several months of radiation therapy every week, as well as physical therapy for my lymph node removal. At the end, I was declared cancer free. My fight was over.

For the next 9 months, I made the most of every day, and then I went for my usual check up. My doc said I needed some tests again. Sure enough, the cancer had returned to the same location. Resume the fight.

This past February, I was again diagnosed with cancer. This time, they took a more aggressive approach: another 6 months of Xeloda and Avasin drips and a mastectomy during all of that.

It has been a very long journey, but I’ve been fortunate to have lots of support along the way. And for that, I am most thankful. The “lion” still chases me, but I know I can outrun him! Last week, I had a CT scan and was given the ALL CLEAR! I am so grateful that I am here today with my boys and my husband and my family.

I currently cannot feel my fingers, parts of my toes and my tongue. My biggest complaint this round was that my finger prints disappeared (from the Xeloda chemo), and I can’t work my iPhone. LOL. I’ll take that over losing my hair again. Faith, family and friends helped me overcome this horrible disease. I won’t give up the fight. Ever.

Kim
Virginia
Submitted 11/03/2017

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.