At this point, breast cancer has given me a different outlook on life–I’m a more positive person.
It all started in April 2012, I was 36 years old at the time, when I went to Planned Parenthood for family planning. I had a good job working at Blue Cross Blue Shield and just recently relocated back to my hometown of Rochester, NY.
I had a lump on my right breast for a couple of years, but was told at the doctor it was possibly a cyst and I should cut out chocolate and caffeinated products–I made those changes.
The doctor came in to examine me and when she felt the lump, she was immediately alarmed. She referred me to the Elizabeth Wende Breast Center in Rochester the following week. There, the doctors performed two mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy all in one day.
The doctor came in at the end and said she would bet her medical license on the fact I had breast cancer. I told her, “No, I don’t,” and left.
The very next day, the doctor called me and said the tests came back and I did have stage II ductal carcinoma, estrogen driven.
I still didn’t believe her and went about my day.
The next morning, it hit me and I cried like a newborn baby. I didn’t go back to work and I was evicted out of my house and eventually became homeless.
I gathered a team of doctors and started the “whirlwind.”
This journey will forever be a part of me.
The American Cancer Society, and the social worker Martha from James Wilmot Cancer Center was a big help during this time. I literally called them sometimes at 3 A.M. and someone was always there to answer my questions.
My hair fell out after the first round of chemo and I ended up having to see a therapist. The therapist said I was going through PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder); basically mourning the loss of my breast.
After three years in the whirlwind, I was finally able to see the end. I got my Medi-port removed and my hair started growing back. Unfortunately, I was unable to have the baby I wanted. Per my medical oncologist I shouldn’t have a child because I had chemo. I ended up getting the Essure which caused other issues that I’m still dealing with.
During the entire process, I always had the support of my kids and my significant other at the time. They went through the process with me by changing my bandages, drainage tubes, and helped me with toileting and bathing.
These days, I give back by supporting the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk seven years strong!
I help raise money, I volunteer and tell my story to everyone I come in contact with.
Breast cancer changed my life for the better.
My outlook on life is I live every day as if it were my last.
Having breast cancer pushed me towards accomplishing my goals. My sense of family is stronger than ever and I travel more. I’m healthy and look forward to what happens next in my life.
I’m literally living my best life!
