In 2020, I started having my yearly mammograms. My mom has had breast cancer twice (and eventually a double mastectomy), which made me (and my sisters) eligible at 40. I think it should be mandatory starting at 40 or earlier, but here we are. 

In 2022, after being called back for a biopsy, they found something called LCIS - lobular carcinoma in situ. The surgeon told me no big deal, they would monitor it. LCIS basically meant my odds of getting cancer were higher, but there was no need to remove it.

Fast forward to my next mammogram, the LCIS is still there and two other areas my (new) surgeon wants to biopsy. Away we go. I can't remember but it came back fine-ish, not as significant as the LCIS, just some cells that weren't great. This surgeon wanted to remove these cells and the LCIS. She isn't sure why the last surgeon didn't want to remove it, but she did. There were no signs of cancer on my multiple mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds or biopsies. There was no cause for concern. Get these pieces out and we move on!

May 2024 - the lumpectomy goes well, I carry on with my life and go back to work after a few weeks of recovery (3 very long weeks!!!)

Finally have a follow-up with my surgeon on July 11. This is where she tells me I have breast cancer. She is recommending a bilateral mastectomy, or if I wasn't comfortable with that, definitely a single on the left side. Despite the fact that the images and biopsies showed nothing (very rare she told us, but it does happen), there was cancer in every sample they removed. When she was doing the lumpectomies, she even took out an extra area that "didn't look right" to her and in that area they found a 2.7cm tumour. A tumour that was never detected by hand or on any scan. Based on that alone, I knew they both had to go. 

Fast forward past the saddest summer of my life, to September 12, my double mastectomy day. The fact that this has happened to me is still shocking. I can't even really believe it yet, despite sitting here all bandaged up in the worst possible pain imaginable. My only thoughts during all of this is that I will do anything necessary to be with my boys. Anything it takes.

My hope is that they find a way to treat breast cancer at some point without mastectomies.

My hope is that they provide more resources to people going through this so they don't have to find support themselves during those very, very dark days after diagnosis.

My hope is that technology improves to a point where women who have bigger, denser breasts don't have to worry about accurate imaging results. These machines should be able to find it, no matter what.

My hope is that everyone going through this has a support system like I do. Family and friends who reached out every single day, asked how I was feeling, asked if I wanted to talk (or not), dropped by, called, messaged, sent cards, dropped off meals and gifts, flowers, the list goes on. If you know someone with cancer, reach out to them immediately. This isn't a secret. This is a terrifying diagnosis that changes your life. Having friends and family who support you during that time is a game changer. Sure you might find it hard to find the words, but think how that person is feeling, they are the one living through it. Any words you have will be enough. 

I see my oncologist on September 30 to find out my treatment plan (as long as my results are back by then). Please think of me and my family on that day.

Update: Thankfully, no cancer in the lymph nodes but I will do 4 rounds of chemo starting October 7. Once every three weeks x 4. Goodbye long hair! Wish me luck with those side effects

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