Arlene's Breast Cancer Battle

SHOCKED! This was exactly my feeling when my Surgeon explained to me that I have Stage 2 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)of the right breast. Invasive was the word I was scared the most about. I don't think anyone can be prepared to hear you have Cancer let alone that it is spreading. Let me go back a little. I was told I had a small Cancerous tumor in November. I had 2 previous MRI's, but it was the breast ultrasound that discovered the tumor. At this point, they did not believe my Cancer was spreading. On Christmas Eve 2014 I had my first surgery--A Lumpectomy to conserve my right breast. The surgery went beautifully and I expected a quick recovery. 1 week later at my post-op appointment was when I was given the new diagnosis from my surgeron that my pathology results indicated I have Stage 2  ILC and it has spread to my lymph nodes.

My mind keeps going back to last year.  April 2014 I was diagnosed with 2 large masses..1 on my right ovary and 1 on my uterus...PLUS in addition, my uterus was extremely inflammed. My gynecologist told me at that time I needed to have a Hysterectomy ASAP. This was another shock and blow to me because my husband Nick & I were trying to get pregnant and I hadnt had my period in weeks. I was expecting to hear I was 8 weeks pregnant, not that I needed a Hysterctomy. I ended up having my Hysterectomy surgery 3 days following our "renewal wedding". 

Why is this relevant you ask? I test positive for the Hormone ER/PR/HER2 test and negative for the BRCA 1/2 test. This means that my tumors are fueled by my hormones.  This information is good to know as it will be an additional therapy to my upcoming chemotherapies.

All I want to do is rest and recoup from all these procedures and enjoy life.  I will be undergoing another surgery next week (partial mastectomy) to remove the cancerous cells that have spread, 4 additional lymph nodes, my nipple and the majority of the aerola. Chemotherapy & radiation will be my next plan 2 weeks after. 

This is so much to deal with. Multiple surgeries, a broken heart that we will never be able to have a child together and my right breast being torn apart. The torn boob I must admit is a vain issue for me.  It's not easy knowing it wont be there like it was. I am hoping to have reconstruction surgery following radiation.

Going through a Cancer diagnosis you truly learn who your supporters are. While I have lost friends recently since my diagnosis, I have gained a few awesome ones like Jena. The one thing I know for a fact is that my husband Nick defines the word LOVE! He has always stood by my side since we have been together (1996). He constantly takes care of me, loves me unconditionally and continues to support me without asking or expecting anything in return. He comes to all of my appointments, stands outside the testing rooms, surgery walls, paces, stresses, goes days without sleep/eating and does anything in his power to make me feel better. Nothing I can do will ever repay him for all he does. He has to make time to run me back and forth to my appointments and procedures and misses a lot of work doing so.

I created my Breast Cancer Fund Campaign here to reach out and in hopes of some help. Any donations received will go toward everything from medical expenses not covered by insurance, anti-nausea drugs, chemo care packages, reconstruction surgery and other medications. I receive State Funded Medi-cal insurance and the quality of care is NOT up to par with what I could be receiving with traditional medical insurance..hence the lack of help with my procedures/tests/medications not being "approved" most of the times. I have to settle on the "minimum of care".

Donanation will also go towards payments on general household bills, including utilities and much needed post surgery relief for the year following. Nick is the only one working and barely that. We struggle day to day to meet needs because he has to put aside working to help me.

No donation is too small and every bit is greatly appreciated.


 My journey is just beginning and I know God has a plan for me. It's not my place to question it. I don't know what the future holds for me..all I can hope for is that I can get through this with some dignity, grace and lots of love.

Thank you for reading my story. We greatly appreciate it and are truly thankful & blessed no matter what comes.

To continue to follow my story, please visit my blog page and/or subscribe via email for updates, photos, procedures and learn more about me.  www.pinktullebride.com