My mom was diagnosed with an aggressive stage 4 breast cancer at age 37. Single radical mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and Tamoxifen prolonged her life for 10 years. She passed at 47 years old; I was 17 years old. That’s when my mammograms began. At age 43, I was diagnosed with DCIS invasive breast cancer and I tested negative for the BRCA gene. I opted for a double mastectomy and my surgeon told me that was the most prudent decision I could have made. After 6 reconstruction surgeries, I am grateful to say I am kicking butt! This will be my 10th year ‘cancer free’. I have been on Tamoxifen for nearly 10 years and my only side effect has been the drenching hot flashes.
I continued my education and received two master’s degrees, and I just began my 25th year of teaching high school English. I’m also an avid volunteer for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Hell yeah, I fight like a girl!
Lisa
VA
Submitted 09/09/2023
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.
