cincygirl's Journey with Breast Cancer

A week after my 40th birthday I felt a suspicious lump in my left breast. I waited a week but it didn't go away. I waited 2 weeks to see my gynecologist and while he didn't feel anything was wrong-he did send me to have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. That turned out badly. Three weeks later I had the lump surgically removed and 5 days later got the call where I only heard 2 words- "It's cancer". It was a long 2 months but at least I knew what I was dealing with.

After I had my lump surgically removed I decided to try a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. That did not turn out well so I ended up having an unilateral mastectomy complete with tissue expander and chemo port implanted! Later that year I completed my reconstructive surgery and had my port removed.

Every 2 weeks-Adriamycin/Cytoxan for 4 rounds then Taxol for 4 rounds. Neulasta just to make it even more fun. Good times. I was actually very lucky and was able to manage my side effects very well. It was not nearly as bad as I'd imagined it would be. Five years of tamoxifen will finish next year. Counting down the days!

Everyday I am able to spend with my family and friends I think is a celebration. I am such a lucky girl!