Tell us about your survivor journey.
For more than 20 years I’ve been faithfully receiving mammograms and always had a clear result. there were two times at images were question but these ended up being no cause for concern and June 2012. I went to my mammogram expecting nothing more than the same however that was not what happened. I was called back for further imaging. I was nervous but still that’s only routine. I had to go back into Rochester for a follow up. I didn’t feel a lump I didn’t have any signs that caused me to worry so the need for imaging was very unclear never occurred to me what they were looking for. They imaged just the left breast and then I got a bit nervous had a ultrasound and a biopsy the same day and week later was called back with the results. I went back to get the results and the doctor said they found something concerning. It came as a shock to me the diagnosis was DCIS stage 0 in my left breast and the doctor showed me the images she learned for the first time that she had dense breasts! I went home got in my pool and cried….. I didn’t know what to do at this point it’s very scary so I told my husband let’s go camping. I tried to think about what was happening to me and what I was faced with. After seeking two medical opinions, I felt comfortable with one doctor. She explained my diagnosis, the options available to me, and help me through the decision process. surgery was in September 2012. I had a mastectomy on the left side and three lymph nodes were removed. When the pathology report came back I was stage one and tested positive for her2. Chemotherapy was recommended A tissue expander was inserted at the time of surgery to prepare for a construction but in light of the pathology report I stop the process until chemo was finished. I began treatments in October and continued for six months five hours every three weeks with another six months and Herceptin a drug for Her2. Friends came to visit as I didn’t feel like going out much. Friends visited, laughed, giggled and I decided to get a wig. My hair was starting to fall out after the second treatment so we went on a road trip riding in my husband’s pick up truck with the window open and one of my friends said good thing we’re getting a wig for you today because your hair is blowing out the window a good laugh but kind of sad at the same time. The trip was successful I came home with a wig looked as natural as I possibly could could get put it on never went anywhere without my wig. it was winter time so I kept my head warm and I wore a stocking hat when I wasn’t out and about. I tolerated the treatments while I wasn’t sure where my strength came from but to give some kind of credit to us my close friend who is going through his own cancer treatment at the same time he gave me some sage advice you find a place you stay there and that’s where you deal with it and to you get through it ultimately I took a no nonsense attitude through my treatment I did what’s need to be done didn’t talk about it much until it was all over the rest of the world just take care of itself I was busy dealing with my cancer one important realization came as a result of my diagnosis I feel like I’m a different person now my eating habits have changed after living and saltines and yogurt through treatment and much more of them were made of Meijer Tristian take vitamins as close to being a vegetarian and feels much better as a result I am much more aware of how life can change in a matter of minutes I feel deeper appreciation for things in general I feel stronger than ever even while sensing the whole life how fragile life is and has more gratitude wonderful milestones about six months after I completed my chemo treatments my now husband proposed! I said yes with one condition you have to wait till I had a full head of hair. we were married in April 2014 already been together for 16 years. during my cancer treatment I didn’t really have any support system then one day in 2016. I saw an advertisement for general yoga class for breast cancer survivors..
A very helpful exercise physically, the range of motion, balance and emotional as well. I have forged new friendships with the women in the class. We meet for dinner and coffee at a local coffee shop. This journey has been scary and life changing as well. I am a very strong person as a result and looking forward to a cancer free life! We enjoy our grandchildren and will be traveling around with our camper. Almost 7 years cancer free!!
What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
Gentle yoga
What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
Always stay positive
Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
Breast Cancer Coalition in Rochester. A great support group!
Second To Nature
Address: 251 Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 256-2460
Website: thelmasboutique.com
