My Story

My cancer story begins in September of 2015.  I had an appointment with my OB/GYN for an annual pap smear.  Before the appointment I had noticed a dark pink spot underneath my left breast.  There was no pain, and I did not feel any lumps.  But my breast had slowly been getting harder, but when I had a mammogram in November 2014, the results showed only cysts, no tumors.  In November 2013, the mammogram showed cysts, no tumors.  I almost did not say anything to my OB/GYN, but decided to do ahead and mention it to her.  When she examined me, she asked me if I could go for a mammogram that day.  Thus began my long journey.

After having a mammogram done, the technician asked if I could stay for a 3D mammogram, so I did, after that was performed, the technician asked if I could stay for an ultra sound, and I did.  A few days later my OB/GYN office called me to have me go for a biopsy.  It took two weeks to get the biopsy scheduled due to the length of time they needed to do the biopsy.  For me the biopsy was very painful.  Even though they numb the area first, I was still able to feel the needle going in and coming out.  My breast was bruised so badly it was almost black in color.  It took over 2 weeks for the bruising to go away. 


On October 12, 2015, the dreaded phone call came from my OB/GYN doctor.  She asked me how I was doing to which I replied "apparently not very well since you are calling me"  she said "you have invasive ductal carcinoma" I said "what is that"? she replied "breast cancer".  

My life became filled with one doctor appointment after another, and hours and hours of research on the internet.  As I said in one of my posts.  I did not care for the first breast cancer surgeon my doctor sent me too.  Even though the surgeon was suppose to be the best in her field, I found her bedside manner left much to be desired.  Both of my daughters were with me, and when I questioned them as to what they thought, they didn't like her either,  However, the Lord had a purpose in me seeing this doctor because,  I had a friend who had been battling breast cancer for a quiet awhile, and I kept telling my girls I needed to talk to her, but I had lost touch with her.  When I came out of that appointment low and behold, there standing in that waiting room was my friend and her husband, she was being treated there!  It was good to catch up with her and find out how she was doing on her journey, she is still fighting her cancer even as I type this.

I called my OB/GYN doctor and told her I wanted a different surgeon, and I did change surgeons.  My mastectomy was scheduled for December 18, 2015.  The whole breast was filled with cancer, and the cancer had spread to one lymph node.

Because I did the Oncotype DX test, I did not have to do chemotherapy treatments.  So in March I started radiation treatments.

In September of this year, 2016, I had my expander removed and my implant put it.  I am currently recovering from that surgery.


Cancer doesn't just impact the person who has it, it impacts everyone in your life. Cancer is a roller coast ride, it comes with ups and downs.  Your only as good as that next doctor visit. In between doctor visits, I live my life and don't think too much on the cancer, but when it is time for the oncologist visits  (I go every 4 months) the reality sets in once again, I have cancer, I hold my breath until they draw the blood and tell me, your blood work is good, I am relieved, I tell myself  I am good for another 4 months.

When I first found out I had breast cancer, I struggled with all the decisions that I needed to made. 

1. Should I do a lumpectomy or mastectomy
2. Should I do a double mastectomy
3. Should I do traditional treatments
4. Should I do chemotherapy
5. Should I do radiation
6. Should I do natural treatments
7. Should I do breast reconstruction  (this was a big one for me, believe it or not.  Some women would say absolutely! unfortunately I was not one of them)


The questions were as endless as the answers.  I agonized daily over treatment options (as my mom and sister in law can attest too).  Everyday I was in touch with my mom, she was my source of strength during this time.  My mom has been a cancer patient herself, she was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 58. I must insert here, the Lord was working in the background (He is always working, even when we don't realize it).  Once I made my choices, God gave me peace.  I was in desperate need for some peace.

So the treatment plan for my breast cancer was:

1. Mastectomy
2. Removal of three lymph nodes
3. Radiation treatment (6 1/2 weeks, 33 treatments)
4. Arimidex for 5 years

For those of you who are wondering, I have been on the Arimidex for nearly 8 months now.  I have not had any of the bone pain, muscle pain, that many women have suffered with taking this drug.  The worst side effect for me so far has been (I think), the pill makes me more emotional than I was before (or it could just be living with cancer has made me more emotional)....

In closing I want to say, do not loose heart.  I am thankful to get cancer in this day and age where there is so many treatment options available.