
Michelle’s Stage 3 Breast Cancer Journey: Advocating for Young Survivors
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In March of 2023, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 31 years old. This came as a complete shock to me as I had no family history of breast cancer or genetic markers. You never expect to hear the words “You have cancer” much less at such a young age. This diagnosis shook my entire world. I had just gotten married to my husband less than a year and a half prior. We had dreams of buying our first home and starting a family. These plans came to an abrupt halt.
Recognizing the Symptoms
In January of that year, I began to experience a sharp pain that would come and go in my left breast. At the time, I came up with excuses believing the cause was hormonal. The pain persisted and ultimately led me to do a self-exam. I found a hard lump. I immediately panicked and began googling my symptoms. Many of the search results said that breast cancer is not typically painful. I decided to wait to see if the lump would go away. It did not. I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN. Because I was young, she believed it was benign, however, she still ordered an ultrasound just in case. I am so grateful that she took my concerns seriously and recommended testing.
Receiving the Diagnosis
I had an ultrasound, mammogram, and a biopsy which resulted in being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Shock, fear, confusion, sadness, and anger engulfed me all at once. I was terrified of what this meant for me and my future. The next few weeks after my diagnosis were a whirlwind of testing, treatment planning, and appointments. It was determined that I was stage 3 since the cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes in my armpit.
Undergoing Treatment
I was treated as triple negative; although, I did have a low positive hormone receptor. Chemotherapy before surgery was recommended to shrink the tumor. I completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy. I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants) and lymph node dissection. A few weeks after my mastectomy, I began to develop an infection on my right breast. My plastic surgeon decided to replace the implant and culture the fluid. My results came back that I had an uncommon bacterial infection, mycobacterium fortuitum, that only occurs in roughly 5% of patients. The recommendation was to remove the implant and remain flat on that side to treat this aggressive infection.
I was on a grueling antibiotic regimen for 7 months, all while completing my other cancer treatment. During this time, I completed radiation, immunotherapy, and oral chemotherapy. Since I had low positive hormone receptor, I am now taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. Fortunately, I no longer have the infection and I was able to restart my reconstruction process. Thankfully, my most recent scan was clear of cancer and I have celebrated 16 months of being no evidence of disease!
Advocating for Early Detection
Looking toward the future, I am inspired to advocate for cancer patients/survivors and stress the importance of self-exams, screenings, and knowing your body. My hope is that the recommended screening age will be lowered no matter the circumstance. Early screenings do save lives! However, prior to my diagnosis, I never had screening done because I was considered too young and did not have risk factors. Nonetheless, cancer does not discriminate. If screenings would have been an option for me, my cancer may have been caught at an earlier stage.
Cancer may have tried to take my life, but it will not take away my drive to heal and move forward. My hope is that my story is an encouragement to cancer survivors and they are reminded that they are not alone.
A Message from Learn Look Locate
At Learn Look Locate, Michelle’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources including Michelle’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Michelle and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.
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