Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer: Stacy’s Journey at 39

Early Detection: Finding a Breast Lump Before 40

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer at age 39 after I found a lump high on my chest. I was warming my hand in the top of my jacket when I found my lump. Since I was 39 at the time I had not even thought of scheduling a mammogram yet. It took me a few weeks of monitoring the lump before I finally scheduled an appointment with my primary care doctor. It was right before the holidays, and I had already Googled all of the possibilities. Based on the location and upcoming holidays, we decided to monitor for another two weeks and follow up after the new year.

Triple Positive Breast Cancer Diagnosis: The Initial Impact

The next appointment was just to see if the lump was still there, which it was, and I was sent off for further testing. I had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy all within a few days. Then came the call that the biopsy indicated it was cancer. I was speechless. How was I going to deal with this?

Treatment Plan: Lumpectomy and Chemotherapy Decisions

The next month and a half was a whirlwind of appointments. I had a pre-op consultation where I decided on a lumpectomy, then the actual lumpectomy, and a post-op appointment where the stage and type were confirmed — Stage 1, Triple Positive — which meant chemo was inevitable. That same day, still in shock, I met with the oncologist who would control the rest of my treatment plan. She explained what Triple Positive meant, talked about all of my options, and even discussed cold capping with me. I now had a plan and was ready to start checking off boxes!

Chemotherapy Journey: Cold Capping and Port Implant

First up was getting cold capping situated — the provider was the easy part, but securing dry ice was a little more difficult. Next was my chest port implant, which was almost as bad as the lumpectomy surgery! Then, chemo started two days later. I had six rounds of Taxotere, Carboplatin, and Herceptin, during which my husband cold capped for me. Throughout my chemo, I was determined not to let cancer define me — I continued to work, stay active with my daughter and husband — but I was terrified of getting sick as COVID restrictions had started to loosen at that time.

Managing Triple Positive Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects

My chemo went on as planned mostly because I learned to crack the code of the predictable chemo regimen. I tracked everything I ate, how much water I drank, how I felt, how I slept, etc., to figure out when I would have good days and when I would have bad days. I forced myself to rest on the bad days and took advantage of the good ones. I would continue Herceptin for a full 12 months, but cold capping was not needed for that. During the last two cycles, I started Letrozole and Zoladex injections, which I will be on for at least five years.

Completing Radiation Treatment Before 40

I took two weeks off before starting 40 rounds of radiation. Again, that went as planned, but this time I was ultra-determined to ring that bell two days before I turned 40 — which I did!

Life After Triple Positive Breast Cancer: Creating Purpose

Now, looking back three-plus years later, I realize how incredibly resilient I have become. I don’t let the small stuff bother me anymore, I stress a lot less, and I try to enjoy life more. The breast cancer community is the most welcoming and understanding group of people I have ever experienced. Through that, I found a new passion to help others along their journey. I created Survive & Thrive, which includes a Wellness Journal I designed after my own battle to help others “crack the code” while going through treatment or any other wellness journey. My personal mission and the mission of my company is to continue to give back to the cancer community and help others to educate and advocate for themselves.

Building Resilience Through the Cancer Journey

Throughout my journey, I have become part of a supportive and inspiring community, which has changed my perspective in profound ways. I am grateful for the resilience I’ve built and the opportunity to help others on their path to wellness and strength.

Learn Look Locate: Supporting Young Women with Triple Positive Breast Cancer

At Learn Look Locate, we are inspired by Stacy’s journey with triple positive breast cancer at age 39. Her story highlights the importance of early detection and self-examination, even before typical mammogram screening age. Through our treatment resources, we help women understand options like cold capping and side effect management. Stacy’s transition from patient to entrepreneur, creating wellness resources for others, embodies our mission of empowering and supporting the breast cancer community. Her experience with lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation provides valuable insights for others facing similar diagnoses. We are proud to share her story of resilience and determination.