Tell me about your diagnosis.
My daughter-in-law, Heather, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She, in turn, started hounding all of our family members to get our mammograms. I went in for mine at the end of July 2023. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in August of 2023. Now my journey begins into the unknown and my life is changed forever.
What was your first thought when diagnosed?
I hadn’t heard back with my results right away. I figured “no news is good news”. I was wrong. I was scheduled for a meet and greet with a new doctor. Unbeknownst to me, he was tasked with giving me the worst news ever. I actually felt horrible for him. I was numb and didn’t have a response. I couldn’t cry. I just sat in his office in disbelief, wondering what to do next. I then requested a breast surgeon whom my daughter-in-law recommended. Knowing I would be in good hands, Heather was at my side, giving me much needed support. She attended my appointments and became my note taker. I knew I wouldn’t be able to remember much of what the surgeon was telling me. I was so blessed to have Heather with me and support me.
Tell us about your journey.
My journey was taking one step at a time. I knew if I thought too far ahead, I would go crazy. Every day was slow motion. I called Heather, what seemed like every day, with questions. She was, and is, my angel. I am single and run a childcare from home. How was I going to keep my business open and get through this?? I was so fortunate to have such supporting families. This is when I became aware of so many women who have gone through or knew of relatives who had gone through breast cancer. So, so sad. I ended up having my surgery in Sacramento. My son Jason and daughter-in-law took me to my appointments in Sacramento. Heather was there for my surgery.
The most difficulty part for me was chemo. I was so sick. I had experienced every side effect listed in the medical journals. I had horrible blisters in my mouth and ended up with an infection, spent some time in the hospital for this. Visited the ER a few times. Ugh! I had to tell myself every day that I can get through this! At this point, I was able to cry for the first time. I just kept thinking of all the medical bills I was going to face. Think Pink gave me a grant from the Breast Cancer Detection Fund when I was diagnosed. Heather plays a huge part in Think Pink, had it not been for Heather, I would not have known about the BCDF. I fortunately have good insurance and was able to financially keep my head above water. I will be having my reconstructive surgery around September. Again, Heather recommended her surgeon, and I know I will be in good hands.
What is your most vivid memory of your cancer journey?
My most vivid memory was sick I was during chemo. Some days, I didn’t know how was going to survive this and keep working at the same time. There was a point, close to the end of my chemo, that I wanted to just give up! Then I thought of my kids and my grandkids. I plastered on a smile each time I thought of them and kept going. Family is everything to me.
I was blessed with incredible doctors. They treated me with love and respect. They made me feel as though I was their only patient. The care I received from them was nothing short of incredible. I wasn’t “just another cancer victim.”
What would you share with someone else who is on this journey?
Don’t put off getting your annual mammogram like I did! This can save your life. I checked myself for lumps and thought I was ok, but obviously I wasn’t. Don’t think like I did – that you don’t have to schedule a mammogram. Love yourself! Nobody has time for cancer!
If you do get diagnosed with breast cancer, find someone who has been on this journey. You will find so many women willing to walk by your side. Reach out to Think Pink. It is an incredible organization. Redding is fortunate to have them. I know I was.