Many of you have asked how you can help in Sara's cancer journey. As she will be in and out of work over the coming months, we would like to offer support with the medical bills for her treatment.

From Sara's CaringBridge story:

I'm 35, no known close family history, negative BRCA gene, breastfed, had my babies early...yet I was recently diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma aka breast cancer. It has been a whirlwind but here is how we got to where we are today.

A few months ago I noticed a hard spot in my right breast that felt like a blocked duct. I set up care with a new PCP here in California, she said it felt like a blocked duct as did my OB/GYN. Nothing to worry about but let's get a mammogram just to be safe. First appointment available? December 20th (this was early October). That was not going to work for me so I contacted the breast center at my hospital and they got me in right away for a mammogram and ultrasound. Thanks to my CNO, the radiologist called me that night with the results- he said there were 3 suspicious spots on the right and one on the left as well as enlarged lymph nodes. They recommended a biopsy right away. I received this news the same hour that my husband tested positive for covid and my son fell off the couch and broke his arm. Not our best day.

Getting the biopsy scheduled was again another feat- my boss made some calls and was able to get me in the following week instead of the 6 week wait they quoted me. (I cannot express enough how fortunate I am to have the resources and connections around me that have expedited my care in every way). The radiologist said he didn't see anything on the left side and only 2 spots on the right and was having trouble identifying any enlarged lymph nodes- our first bit of promising news. The following week, I received the news that the 2 spots were in fact cancerous, however they were unable to get any lymph tissue so that part was inconclusive. I finally heard out loud what I knew was coming- I knew it when I saw it on the ultrasound. All we could do now was pray that it had not spread.

After that, my team kicked in to make things happen very quickly. I was able to see my surgeon the next day and he ordered an MRI which I got the following day. The MRI provided some much needed relief. The lumps, which have been named Harry and Louis as I hate the word tumors, were smaller than the ultrasound measured and there was no evidence of it being on the left or in any lymph nodes. Additionally we found out Harry and Louis like estrogen and progesterone which increases our treatment options. We won't have official staging until after surgery but are feeling hopeful that it is Stage 1 or 2. As of today, we are waiting on insurance approval for a bilateral mastectomy which will be necessary due to my age and the multiple areas of concern.

I'm anxious to get surgery over with, I'm not scared of losing my breasts or of the treatment. My number one priority is being around for my kids. I’m focused on staying positive and controlling what I can- including treating my mind and body well. I'll continue to update as things progress, going to be a hell of a journey but I know this was put on me for a reason and I'm going to be ok.