Amanda Sedivy

In an instant, life can alter your perception of your future. Uncertainty, fear, hopelessness, and overwhelming sadness are just the main initial feelings that hit you. Cancer. You have cancer. For those of you who do not know yet, Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 5th, suddenly, all things planned, all of life seemed to stand still for her. I am starting this Caring Bridge profile for her so that all her friends and family can stay up to date and are able to show your support for her. She is not one to make a fuss out of her challenges, as special as she is, she deserves to know how worthy she is to hear from all of us and see and hear how much she is loved and thought of. I hope this will help.

June 24th was a Friday and she had gone in for her first mammogram. Upon examination the technician was obviously seeing something and says to Amanda; “I’m going to have you wait a moment, I am going to have the radiologist take a look at this with me.” Amanda began to feel somewhat worried. “Just hold on, I’ll be right back!” “Well, this can’t be good!” Amanda thought. She came back and explained to her that they were going to take her to ultrasound. Sitting in the chair with two sonographers they began to concentrate in one area. After taking many photos, they tell her that they are “going to go get the radiologist and have him speak to you.”

At this point Amanda is getting VERY worried and the anxiety has kicked in! The radiologist comes in and says, “We see a spot that concerns us, and we need to have you get a biopsy as soon as possible.” They scheduled the biopsy for Wednesday June 29th.

Amanda, being Amanda did her best to remain positive and vigilant that this could be benign and went in for the biopsy and straight to work with a full day of seeing patients. I can tell you, the best efforts to keep busy to avoid the anxiety of not knowing what the lump is, does not work. Heading into the “LONGEST” holiday weekend not knowing, made for a very ominous feeling and takes any joy of celebrating a holiday away from you.

Tuesday afternoon, Amanda gets that call with the results. “Ductal Carcinoma In situ with mild invasion!” Her fear is now realized. Instantly numb, it was difficult for her to process the now fact that she has breast cancer.

What happens when you get the diagnosis? Well, a whirlwind of phone calls, appointments, and a new level of anxiety that you were not aware of!

Amanda has been seen by a Surgeon, Oncologist, Plastic Surgeon, Radiology Oncology, Genetics and another ultrasound. Feeling overwhelmed, she thought; “Okay, I’m moving forward! I just want this over with already!”

Upon the second ultrasound Amanda was given another surprise. Once again, the sonographer began to concentrate on another area and took many photos. She explains to Amanda that she will have to go get the radiologist to speak to her. At this point hopelessness really takes over for Amanda and the anxiety is starting to really enhance her fear.

They find another lump. The radiologist tells her that she will have to have another biopsy. At this point she has been to multiple appointments and is awaiting a genetic test all within a couple weeks. She is absolutely overwhelmed.

The following appointment with the plastic surgeon gives her even more concern. A device Amanda had installed in her upper left chest has to be removed before her main surgery. Amanda immediately contacts the doctor’s office in Dallas, TX to get information on the process to remove the device. This device was installed in 2019 to assist with severe migraines. Amanda was a candidate for this Neurotransmitter, and it has been very helpful but now is an obstacle for her. The office in Dallas did not return her calls for assistance for two weeks. The anxiety and fear began to REALLY kick in and moments of hopelessness would show up in the most inconvenient places. In the middle of a store, between patients, at lunch she would go out to her car to cry. She just needed to know! How can she get this device that she needed for so long out of her now to get her surgery?

Remembering that she had a nurse’s direct cell phone number saved from the team in Dallas, she sends a text to her. An answer! The next few days, she finally gets in touch with the doctor in Dallas. Details are answered and a surgery appointment has been made!

Step by step!

Amanda’s first surgery is scheduled for Monday morning, August 8th at 11:45 a.m. in Dallas, TX. So, tomorrow night we are flying down to Dallas and should arrive at the hotel by 10:00 p.m. We will head to the hospital at 9:45 a.m. She will go under anesthesia and we will head back to the hotel so she can rest and recover. The following morning, Tuesday, we will have to be at the airport by 4:30 a.m. to leave Dallas and head back to St. Louis on the 5:30 a.m. flight. Then both of us will be back to work on Wednesday.

So as of right now, this is where we are at with this mountain we have been given. Amanda will have a double mastectomy and reconstruction on August 25th. I will keep this site updated for everyone. Please reach out to Amanda and show her your support. She could use the encouragement! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We believe there are no accidents in life! God’s Will, will show us the way and we submit to his Grace. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and Love.