Stage IV Fighter ✨
As some of you may know and most of you probably don't on July 7th I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The last 7 weeks have been a blur of appointments, lots of testing, a variety of scans, and procedures to obtain all of the information needed for my oncologist to confirm staging diagnosis and create a plan for treatment. It has been found that I have invasive ductal carcinoma that has developed in a mass in my right breast, spread to both axillary and mammillary lymph nodules, and metastasized as a mass in my liver.
Due to the metastasis, I am now diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. As daunting and terrifying as stage IV cancer sounds, I consider myself extremely blessed that at this time my metastasis was localized to the liver in a operable area and was able to be removed. Due to this, my oncologist has made it very clear to me that the goal of my treatment plan at this time is still curative, which is such a blessing. In order to achieve remission, the oncologist has developed a plan, which will include aggressive AC-T chemotherapy for 6 months. Following chemo, I will have a repeat PET scan and repeat MRI's of both breast and liver to monitor the effectiveness of my chemotherapy, then surgery, which will be a double mastectomy with complete axillary node dissection to the right under arm. After recovering from surgery, I will begin radiation to my sternum and right under arm, which should last another 2-4 months. Once radiation is complete, I will be put on long term preventative hormone therapy, and will then finally be able to begin the process of reconstructive surgeries.
As I know everyone can imagine this has become an extremely burdensome diagnosis, not only physically and mentally, but also financially. Breast cancer has brought an abundance of costs that were never something I planned for in my budget. Between medical expenses, prescription costs, supplements, fertility preserving egg retrieval, and the cost of hair loss solutions, which I have decided is important for me to maintain more normalcy for Cameron as her life is already changing so much. I have held onto creating this fund account, but as I move farther through the process it has become clear that I have to ask for help to be able fully focus on my fight to survive stage IV breast cancer.
I feel so blessed to have such a powerful village behind me, made up of family, friends and coworkers. The outpour of love and support from my community has me incredibly humbled. To the people who have heard and maybe don't know what to say, just know that I feel your positive energy and prayers. Together, with your continued good vibes, my tribe and my strength, I know I'll be able to kick cancers ass!