For years breast cancer to me wasn’t an if it was a when. Almost all women on my mother’s side of the family have had breast cancer, so it was recommended I start screening at 25 years old. It started with yearly mammograms. As I got a little older it changed to alternating with mammograms and MRIs every 6 months. I’d done genetic testing for the BRCA genes 🧬 which were negative. All factors were saying I wouldn’t get it. I’d had consults for preventive mastectomy and was told I didn’t show risk factors. I was scared of surgery/being put to sleep so decided to just keep screening.
In August of 2021 I went for my annual MRI. My doctor called me to let me know the radiologist who read it said they saw a small something but not concerned (obviously they didn’t know my family history). At this point I just said okay. I couldn’t stop thinking about the results and told my husband I wanted to have a second opinion. He agreed. I called my doctor and she referred me to the Breast Care Center in Scarborough. My appointment wasn’t until October. At my appointment we reviewed my family history and she looked at the MRI and wasn’t too concerned, but wanted to do an ultrasound to be certain. She asked if I wanted to just move all of my breast care down to them which I did. I was due in December for my mammogram so she scheduled that with the ultrasound since I lived so far away. Fast forward to December. My mammogram showed nothing at all (I had very dense breast tissue). I was having my ultrasound on both breasts to be certain nothing was missed when the tech said she needed to go make sure the radiologist didn’t need any more pictures. She came back in with the radiologist who then said we need to schedule you to come back for 2 biopsies but it might be a bit so we can do it all in 1 visit. They said they’d call with a date.
January 11, 2022 (my best friend’s birthday) also turned into biopsy day. I get super anxious and have a vasovagal response with procedures, no different this day, even with some prescribed relaxant (🤷🏼♀️ can’t remember what). I almost only ended up with 1 biopsy due to this. I got sick and recomposed and pushed on.
January 13, 2022 I was at work when I got the call with the results. I indeed had Breast Cancer at 39 years old. Diagnosis: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stage 1a, ER/PR+, HER2-.
I caught it early which is key. I had treatment options. I dove in with the most aggressive treatment given my family history and the fact that my moms came back a second time.
The New England Breast Cancer Alliance has given me the opportunity to meet other women going through or who have been through treatment. We get to share our stories and learn so much from one another. We’re “Breasties”.
I got to participate in the Runway for Hope last year and have looked forward to this year’s upcoming show. There’s so much love and support in this beautiful group of women! We are Warriors!
When you donate to the Runway for Hope, know that it’s providing support for local breast cancer survivors and further research for a cure.
As a two year survivor I want to thank you for donating to a cause that I care deeply for as it has brought me together with the most amazing, strong women I’ve ever met.
