Iman's Fight Against Cancer

The week leading up to Memorial Day 2015, I kept feeling this dull pain in my left breast but I brushed it off until the pain became excruciating. The Wednesday after Memorial Day, I went to my primary care physician and asked him to check it out. We both thought it may have just been my fibro cystic breasts flaring up because of all the caffeine I had been consuming. Nonetheless he recommended that I have an ultrasound. So the next day I had an ultrasound. The radiologist "yea I see a mass but I'm pretty sure it's benign but I would like for you to get a mammogram." After he looked at the mammogram report, he said the same thing but this time he just wanted a biopsy to be sure. Two weeks later, on Wednesday June 17, I had the biopsy done that morning and the same radiologist said he felt it was benign, again! I was suppose to have an appointment later that day with my PCP, but the biopsy was so painful I called and cancelled that appointment and told them to call me back once they had ALL of my reports!

June 19, 2015 - My doctor calls me that morning and asks if I can meet with his friend, a breast specialist, that day for her to go over my initial reports with me. He's always been real thorough!! I just thought he was being EXTRA thorough, since the radiologist already said it was BENIGN 3x but because I trusted him, I agreed to see her. My sister came with me and we were clowning and joking the whole time as we usually do. Then the doctor comes in asks a million and one questions then leaves and looks at all my reports. She comes back in the room and says "Iman you have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma." Thank God my sister was there because my brain shut down, my jaw went to the floor and I was speechless. 

How could this be? There's no history of breast or ovarian cancer in my family! I'm healthy! I eat clean. I workout 3x a week! I'm 30!!! I have a 2 year old!!!! HOW COULD THIS BE?! 

She explained the stage, my reports, possible treatment options and referred me to other doctors who would make up my treatment team. I have had appointments almost every single day since my diagnosis. Surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, cardiologist, oncology fertility specialist...the list goes on!

Being a single parent is difficult at times. Being a single parent diagnosed with a terminal illness, is devastating. It crushes me to know that at times I won't be physically able to care for her! Even with insurance, everything isn't covered and I'm already seeing the bills roll in. Being the sole provider and not being able to work, is terrifying.  I am the main constant in her life and although I do my best to hide my anxiety and fears from her, there are moments when I'm just broken!

I have been overwhelmed with the amount of information and life changing decisions that I've had to make in such a short time. With all of that being said I'm ready to fight! I don't know what the journey looks like but I anticipate coming out not only a fighter but also a SURVIVOR! 

My daughter and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any donation of love you are able to make. Prayers are ALWAYS welcome too!