Michele is a single mom raising a school-age daughter. She works full-time and has done some emotional work on her attitude. No stranger to difficulty and challenge, she plans on surviving breast cancer and living way beyond it. Michele's story reminds me of how smart it is to get breast changes checked out promptly. Here's her story.
Michele's Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Age at diagnosis: 40
Breast cancer type: A type of Invasive Breast Cancer, in ducts and lobes
Lymph Node Status: Two nodes involved
Tumor Description: 8cm tumor, Grade 2, HER2 +, Estrogen and Progesterone positive
Stage of Cancer: Stage 3
Treatments: Six rounds of chemo - TCH. Taxotere, carboplatin and herceptin, bilateral mastectomy, 6 wks radiation, 1 year of Herceptin
Hormonal Therapy: Five years of tamoxifen
Time in Remission: Not there yet - still in treatment
Michele's Survivor Story
On July 7, 2011 I went in for a mammogram after my nipple suddenly inverted. I heard the words "you have breast cancer" and time stood still. It was in that empty space of time that I stayed for a few days, trying to figure out what I was going to do.
I am a divorced Mom of a beautiful 8 year old daughter. I work full time, and have a busy life. And I could die. After I had every part of my body scanned, probed and prodded and discovered my cancer was isolated to my left breast and 2 of my lymph nodes, I decided I am going to be fine. No other option for me.
I became a fighter, not a cancer patient. Not a sick person . . .
my whole life changed.
I read every piece of information I could find on Stage 3 breast cancer, treatments, nutrition and mental health's role in diagnosis and outcome of any disease. I became a fighter, not a cancer patient. Not a sick person. The minute I made that choice to approach this roadblock in my life path this way, my whole life changed. I appreciate the small things, as cliche as that sounds. I live in gratefulness for all of my blessings. I have focused my energy on wellness. My mind is doing all of these magical things for me, because I refuse to think negatively. If my mind thinks I am sick, then it will send that message to my body. Plain and simple.
I just finished my fourth round of chemotherapy. Although chemo is no picnic, I love it. Thank you chemo! Cancer is not a death sentence. If you have been recently diagnosed I encourage you to start with your thoughts. Think positive. Live in the positive. And enjoy all the free meals!!!
I really applaud Michele on getting help after finding her nipple inversion. Although it may be frightening to get such symptoms checked out - because of a possible breast cancer diagnosis - it is important not to ignore them. In young women, breast cancer is sometimes aggressive and must be dealt with promptly. Having the responsibility for a young child makes decisions more difficult for a mother, but it can also serve as strong motivation to survive. Michele could easily have given in to depression and despair upon being diagnosed - but instead of doing that, she went into action. Michele educated herself on her diagnosis, studied her self-care strategies, and went forward. She impresses me as a very empowered patient. Ultimately, Michele's positive actions will impact her own survival as well as her daughter's health - and that is a great example indeed.
