As many of you know, I underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer (BRCA1 positive) on May 2, 2019.
It took until July 2nd, 2019 for my treatment plan to become a reality! Eight weeks of numerous doctors appointments, and an absurd number of nights staying up late becoming the most well versed as I could be on my specific breast cancer.
As I spoke about in my last blog post after a second opinion at UF health I decided I would do chemo if my recurrence risk score on the oncotype score (see previous post for details) was greater than a score of 26. 26 is where I would become a on the high end of intermediate risk of recurrence and after speaking with physician and looking at the data I fully understood and was on board with the plan.
We prayed and prayed that the number would come back at any moment. We were told when it was ordered (finally, after arguing and a second physician) that it would take 10-14 days to get a result back. Well, add an extra 4 days to that and I got the much anticipated call, YOURE SCORE CAME BACK 23! I thought as soon as I heard less than 26 I would feel elated like it was Christmas morning, and was frustrated when that wasn’t the feeling I got right away.
To be honest, I think I wanted them to say hey your score came back 0, you actually don’t have any risk of recurrence so no worries. That was never going to happen, but a girl can hope right ?!
Anyways, after the doctor reviewed all the pros and cons of my treatment plan as we had previously discussed for a number 23 I could feel this sense of chaos starting inside me. For eight weeks after surgery I have very much been stuck with not knowing what the heck is happening and I quickly realized this number result meant my life was going to be changed drastically soon.
So it’s taken a couple of days for me to wrap my head around the fact that we actually have a plan and now we set that plan in motion! I am so thankful for all the support from friends and family as I ask questions and gather … and re-gather information.
The plan moving forward is no chemo! I will get monthly ovarian suppression shots, and also take tamoxifen daily for 5 years. It is believed that pre-menopause women benefit from the ovarian suppression effect of chemo so I am adding that added benefit in a shot form (without the chemo) to the normal hormone treatment of tamoxifen to give myself the best chance of no recurrence moving forward. ALSO I will get to have my final breast reconstruction surgery late July!
A ton is going to change with my body in July as I start injections and hormone treatment that abruptly throw a 28 year old body into menopause with heightened hot flashes and sweating etc. Also, I just recently got back to running from my first surgery 2 months ago so although excited for the next step also kinda bummed to think about being sore and newly post op again.
Most frustrating for me has been the realization that Justin and I have to put our plans to start a family (we were hoping in 2020) on hold until after I finish treatment in five years.
But you know what? I am here, I have a > 90% cure rate, and I feel so grateful each and everyday for all that is around me. I pray fiercely in thanks to God for making it part of my story that I found my lump when I did and having the courage to take others through this whole process.
As for the next couple of years – I will keep up this blog with all kinds of med information as I experience or learn about it as well as continue to raise money and advocate for breast cancer research. This is just the beginning of my 5 year treatment journey and I feel that there’s a lot of travel coming in my future!
If you see my around – be nice and turn the fan my way! ❤️
Until next time – go donate some money and join my breast cancer walk team!
Love,
Sambo
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