Tammy’s Story (Breast Cancer)

Hello, My name is Tammy is this my second battle with cancer. In March of 2016 I was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer.

I  did 18 rounds of chemotherapy; finishing my last round in October 2016.

During that journey, I learned I was BRCA1 positive. Doctors tried to convince me to have a risk reducing bilateral mastectomy but I opted to be followed closely instead.

In hindsight, I should have had the surgery. I was diagnosed in July of 2018 with triple negative breast cancer. Luckily it was caught early. I was still in stage one when it was discovered. I am scheduled to have a mastectomy this August. Precautionary chemo or radiation will follow.

I write this today say, ladies, think long and hard about the risk reducing surgeries if you have BRCA. Whether you need the hysterectomy or mastectomy or both. Weigh all your options.

Personally I would rather not be facing chemo again.

Tammy
Florida
Submitted 07/27/2018

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.