During the month of October we are sharing stories from women whose lives and experiences have been shaped by a breast cancer diagnosis. We hope these stories will help provide comfort and courage to others whose lives have been touched by cancer.
In today’s world, life is so busy it is easy to lose focus of our priorities or find time for those important things. In February 2012, I am glad I made the time for my yearly mammogram.
After my appointment, I headed to work when I received a call from Sarah Bush Lincoln stating something was showing on my test and I needed more testing. As many of us do, I considered my career first and told them I couldn’t make it. They stated that I needed to come in as soon as I could. I then told them I would be on my way. They proceeded with the second testing and I waited. When they came in and told me that the area looked to be cancer, however they needed to complete a biopsy for more detail, it was like a kick in the stomach. After the biopsy, I received the horrible news that it was cancer and I needed to have surgery. This type of cancer would have only been found by a mammogram. Not only was this moving so quickly, but the horrible part was telling my children, family and friends. I will never forget the look on their face and the tears in their eyes. I had just lost my Dad to cancer a few years ago. That is a moment you think will never happen to you. Reality sets in and your life can change in a split second.
I then took the next step – surgery. The doctors were wonderful! It was time to meet my Oncologist for the first time to get my results from surgery. As I entered the cancer center at Sarah Bush Lincoln, it was like nothing I had ever experienced. You knew as you looked around there were so many sick people and my heart ached for them. I was scared to death. The team and the staff were amazing. After meeting with my Oncologist he made me feel as a priority (not just another patient or number). He took as much time as we needed for me and my family. He explained they were not able to get within the margins, the cancer was a high grade DCIS and HER2 positive with high risk of additional DCIS present. It was overwhelming enough the information you receive, but to have all this happen in a few weeks didn’t seem like reality. Now I was on my way to another surgery (mastectomy) and removing the lymph nodes, with chemotherapy treatments to follow after recovery.
During this time I never worried about my job, but during recovery I received a letter ending my employment. I was devastated and on top of everything else I now had to think about seeking another job. From this day forward was the beginning of my journey and new outlook on life. There are many people each day that have their own story or battle of fighting cancer, but just know you aren’t alone. There are doctors, nurses, and support groups there to assist. Every situation is different, but try to stay positive. I had support from the community, family, customers and my loyal friends that kept me pushing each day.
This experience has been like nothing I could’ve imagined. I have met many wonderful people and lost many amazing people along the way. I will treasure every memory and I’m blessed by just knowing them. During Breast Cancer month if you know of someone who is battling this horrible disease or is a survivor, acknowledge them. Remember you can make a difference in their life.