My journey began in February 2009 with my mammogram. I was being seen every 6 months for a mammogram and ultrasound due to cysts in my right breast. Each time being told everything looked the same and no need to worry. This time I had to have the test repeated and the ultrasound took quite a bit longer and they were focused on the left breast. I was told that I needed a biopsy and that everything was probably just fine. I owe a great deal to Judy Destouet at GBMC as she saw something that just didn’t look right. I scheduled an appt with Dr. Lauren Schnapper and had a biopsy. I will never forget coming home and seeing Dr. Schnappers phone number with no message. I knew it was not good news. Barb called and told me I had DCIS and that it was Stage 0. I had a lumpectomy and then 2 re-excisions but we still did not get clear margins. I had the feeling something else was going on so during the 3rd re-excision I had a lymph node biopsy. This time the news was there was cancer in the lymph nodes and I was dealing with more than DCIS. It turned out my breast cancer was stage 3 and I would have a double mastectomy and reconstruction in July and then went through 5 months of Chemo and 32 radiation treatments. I finished all of my treatment in March 2010. I feel well and back to my pre-cancer days.
When I was diagnosed and going through treatment I was in survival mode. I have twin girls who are 9 years old and I was determined to keep things as normal as possible for them . When I first received my diagnosis they had just gotten home from school and I was looking at them and thinking of all of the milestones in their lives that I just could not miss. I have always looked on the positive side and although it was difficult to find the positives during treatment, It is now easier to see the positive side of my cancer journey. I didn’t think it was possible to love my husband more than I already did but I do. He was and is such a source of love and support to me. He went with me to every treatment and we called them our weekly "dates". My friends and family rallied around and showed us what true love and friendship really is. I have met and been treated by the best surgeons, oncologist, nurses, radiation oncologist and radiation techs anywhere. I am forever grateful for the care I have received. Each day precious and I truly appreciate what is really important in life. I just know that I will find a way to help others through this journey.
