I remember the week of my diagnosis clearly. The week went by so fast and so slow at the same time. It all began on a Sunday night when I felt an unmistakably large lump in my right breast. The next morning I saw my doctor who then referred me for a mammogram and an ultrasound.
The next day I went in for the tests. After the mammogram and ultrasound, my husband and I were called into the doctor’s office where we were told that it looked very concerning and they wanted to do a biopsy. The biopsy was scheduled for later that day.
It was 3 long days later that I received the call. On November 14, 2014 I was diagnosed with ER/PR Positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stage 3.
December 23 I had a bilateral mastectomy with a 15 lymph node dissection. My tumor was 8.5 cm, 5 lymph nodes testing positive for cancer.
I began chemo at the end of January. I had 4 rounds of the Adriamycin and Cytoxan, and I'm now on the Taxol which is 12 rounds once a week. I have ahead of me 8 more rounds of the Taxol, 5 weeks of radiation and finally reconstruction.
The last 7 months have been a roller coaster. There have been times of depression, anxiety, and fear, but mostly it has been a time of joy. I have been blessed beyond words. I am surrounded by family and friends who lovingly support me during this time. I am coming to the realization of what really is important. My family, my friends, and my faith in my Savior. I know that the Lord does not give us more than we can handle. I know that as long as I trust in Him that all things are possible. I no longer ask; why me anymore, but rather, what am I to learn from this, and how can I use what I learn to better myself and to serve others?
Cranberry Twp, PA
