Fighting Breast Cancer With Amber Herauf

At just 25 years old, August of 2014 I heard news that no one ever wants to hear. "I'm sorry!" The doctor said as she came into the room my fiancè and I sat in waiting patiently for the results of the biopsies I had done the week prior. I grew concerned about a lump in my breast in January of 2014. At the time it was only dense tissue, which I learned is pretty common. I kept an eye on it as I was told if it grew larger or became painful I needed to be seen again. Mid June I went back to the doctor as it was larger and I had a discharge from my nipple and newly pierced holes. It wasn't until mid July I was told by the 3rd doctor that I need to see a Breast Specialist. In turn, she sent me to have an ultrasound done, which turned into a mammogram, which turned into many biopsies which turned into the results of Stage IIB breast cancer. My tumor was very large covering nearly the whole breast. The breast speacialist actually believes the piercings brought the cancer to the surface of the breast. Thank God for those piercings!

I had to go through many MANY tests to make sure it wasn't/didn't spread to my organs and bones in which I am VERY lucky it didn't!  This catagorized to Stage IIB breast cancer. (Triple positive, HER2 positive - getting TCH-P Chemotherapy 6 times every 3 weeks) I chose to have a double masectomy January 5th 2015 with the start of tissue expanders. January 9th 2015 the surgeon called and explained to me that there is NO active cancer! I had a complete response to the chemotherapy! Because the tumor was so large, many doctors discussed my case and decide it's best I go through with radiaton to keep any recurring cancer out of question. Radiation began February 2015. I will receive 28 treatments total! I also will take an estrogen blocker called Tamoxafin since my cancer was estrogen positive. I will take this pill for TEN (yes 10!) Years of my life.

My journey so far with cancer has NOT been easy especially being a mother to a two year old, losing my job, and not to mention the physical and emotional stress. I have learned QUICK that cancer does not care what you have in your life. It does not descriminate. I try my best to raise awareness to females under 40 that BREAST CANCER CAN OCCUR at such a young age. Studies show we are a rare 7% and I choose to make a difference with this 7%!

I set this account up for myself and for my family and I to pay bills, for food, for babysitting costs (while at doctor appointments), gas and most importantly for my health. Any and all donations help. My family and I are VERY appreciative for your donation today, tomorrow, and everyday. Thank you and God Bless.