Tell us about your diagnosis
When I was 35 I went in for a routine early detection mammogram. They found a tumor that was a .5mm. I had an ultrasound, then a biopsy , which took 2/3 of the tumor. I was diagnosed with ductal carninoma in situ 3 tumor. Two weeks later I chose to have a double mastectomy and the tumor had grown to over 1.5mm. I didn’t carry the gene or have family history.
What was your first thought when diagnosed?
When I was diagnosed my world stopped for a few minutes. Because my cancer was so aggressive my doctor had gotten my info to a surgeon that day to start the process. I never asked what kind of cancer I had or what stage I was. The only thing I asked was, “What do I need to do to beat this?”
Tell us about your journey
Being I had two boys, 5 and 8 years old at home, I knew I had to fight. I chose to have a double mastectomy and 6 months of chemo. If there was any cancer left after surgery, chemo was the only that that would kill it. I wanted to do everything possible to prevent it from returning so my husband and I would have some peace of mind. We didn’t want to have any regrets.
What is your most vivid memory of your cancer journey?
Definitely the love and support from my family, friends and coworkers. From donating vacation hours to keep my benefits cheap, to taking me to appointments, starting a meal train, cleaning my house, to sharing their love and support, helped to ease this burden from me and especially my children. It really just allowed us to cope and me to heal.
What would you share with someone else who is on this journey?
Everyone’s journey is different. You have to choose what is right for you and not anyone else. Your journey never really ends – you start as one person, you take this cancer detour, and you try to come back to the same person you were, but you will never be that person again. You are forever mentally, physically, and emotionally changed. Embrace the new you. Lean on positive, loving people, and always live life to the fullest.