Lyndsey Hayes

Wow, I have followed many people on CaringBridge but never thought I would need to have my own page. A couple people suggested I start a page so I wouldn't have to use all my energy telling the same story over and over and trying to answer everyone's questions and instead can focus on getting better.  I guess I should start with an introduction in case anyone reading doesn't know my background.  I am married to my best friend John from childhood and we have 2 daughters (Brooklyn-almost 3 & Brianna-almost 1).  I have the BRCA1 gene mutation which makes me high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.  In 2011 I had a PBM (Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy) and this past year in June of 2017 I had a full hysterectomy-both preventative surgeries in the hopes of never getting cancer.  Growing up I watched my Mom fight cancer 3x (breast 2x and ovarian 1x).  I decided to have these preventative surgeries because I saw all my mom had to endure and I wanted to do everything I could to live a cancer free life. Well God had other plans for me and in March of 2018 on the eve of my 40th birthday I heard the words I never thought I would hear, "you have cancer".  Unfortunately I have a very abnormal type of cancer called metaplastic. As you can guess anything different is not good and it is also fast growing. Just google Metaplastic breast cancer-or maybe don't, I wish I hadn't. Less than 1% of people get this kind of breast cancer and there is really no proven treatment for it. What is with me and the 1%? When I had my preventative mastectomy there was a 1% chance that it would be unsuccessful and fail and it did- a couple of times, then there is a 1-3% chance of getting breast cancer after preventative mastectomy and lucky me I get it and now I get this rare form of cancer that less than 1% of people get.


Many may wonder why I am being so open with my story...
1. I have always been an open book.  I guess that is just the way God made me. 
2. As many prayers I can get the better 
But most importantly...
3. If my story can help even one person either with their faith, health or something else then it will all be worth it.  

I lost my mom 3 years ago when I was pregnant with my first daughter.  It has been a hard road not having her here while I try to navigate the roads of motherhood and especially now all I really want is my mommy but she was a great example of a fighter and I hope to be that for my girls as well.  I don't know where this journey is going to take me but  I do know that God is in control and have faith that this is all part of his grand plan.  Thank you for following along and supporting me on the way.  Together we can and WILL do this!!! “ 

Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18