OK, where to begin…. it’s been one hell of a ride, and it’s not over yet.
I was diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer at 32 years old. In July 2012, after the removal of a benign cyst, it was discovered that cancer was behind the cyst. I have no family history, and I am BRCA gene 1 and 2 negative. The second surgery was again in July for my lymph nodes and more breast tissue removal. My lymph nodes had clear margins, thank God.
I started my first of 8 rounds of chemo in October. I lost 45 lbs from it. Most people gain weight; I’m a strange case I guess. My 4 year old would come with me to my treatments sometimes. He loved going; the nurses were so nice to him. When they would access my port, my son would call me Iron Mom, because I looked like Iron Man to him – lol. He is my little rock, and he doesn’t even know it :).
Chemo was hell. The days that followed were horrible, but I made it through it. I was almost finished with the chemo in February 2013 when I found a lump again on the same breast. I had a third surgery lumpectomy to remove it in March. I was getting ready to do radiation when my doctor wanted to do a breast MRI at the end of March. So I did the MRI and, low an behold, it’s back for the 3rd time in less than 9 months. To FIGHT LIKE A GIRL this shit we call cancer, I’m having bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction on May 7th. I WON. I am so ready to put this behind me and move forward. I have to keep moving, because if I don’t I might stand still and not have the courage or the strength to move on.
Tammy
New York
Submitted 4-30-13
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.
