My Breast Cancer Story….

In 2020, when I was 41, I asked my doctor if I needed a mammogram now that I was in my 40s. He said since I did not have any family history of breast cancer, I could wait until I was 45.  Fast forward to one day in 2022 when I felt a lump in my right breast. I thought it might just be a change associated with aging so I wasn’t concerned. As time progressed, I kept checking the lump and one day I realized the lump had grown. I do not recall how much time had passed since I first felt the lump, but a thought that started with “hmm, is that a lump?” had now changed to “oh no, this is most definitely a lump.”

I reached out to my doctor and I had my first mammogram in January 2023, which led to an ultrasound in February and a day I will never forget.

After my radiologist performed the ultrasound and additional mammogram imaging, she came out to where I was sitting by myself in a small waiting area and, in a quiet, meek voice, asked me to follow her to her office. I could tell by her demeanor she did not have good news for me, but I thought she was going to tell me I needed a biopsy.

After we both sat down in her office, she pulled her chair close to mine, looked me straight in the eye and said, “I am very concerned you have cancer.” Based on what she had seen, she believed I had breast cancer. I would need a biopsy to confirm what type. I was in shock. The tears started to flow and catching my breath became very difficult. I immediately regretted telling my husband I would be fine going to the appointment alone, that I likely wouldn’t get any results that same day. But when I left the appointment that day, I was thinking cancer is going to kill me.

My biopsy was completed on Valentine’s Day and on February 16, 2023, I was officially diagnosed with invasive carcinoma (with mixed ductal and lobular features). The cancer cells were being fed from the hormones estrogen and progesterone (hormone receptor-positive).

The good news was my care team knew how the cancer was growing and there were viable options available to remove the tumor and fight the recurrence of the cancer. The bad news was that I had a long road ahead of me.

From April – November 2023, I had five surgeries, including a double mastectomy, lymph node dissection, breast reconstruction and bilateral oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries). Also related to my breast cancer diagnosis, I experienced unexpected adversities from an intrauterine device (IUD), invasive carcinoma in a nipple bed margin and fat necrosis. I was put on endocrine therapy medication (blocks the body’s ability to produce hormones) that I will continue to take for 5 to 10 years. At the age of 44, side effects of surgically induced menopause and being on an aromatase inhibitor became a new daily struggle.

Even though 2023 included several surgeries and months of recovery, my biggest fear of fighting cancer was not knowing how my body would react to chemotherapy. However, I qualified to have a test ( Oncotype DX) which indicated I would not benefit from Chemotherapy. Meaning, the chance of a cancer recurrence  would be the same whether I had chemotherapy or not. Also, in my case, I did not need radiation.

The year 2023 held several  great milestones for my little family (our son’s high school graduation, our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband’s 50th birthday), but it also became a year where much pain was endured and many, many tears were shed.

The love and support my family has given me has been extraordinary and I would not be where I am physically and emotionally if it wasn’t for them. I am still in awe at how my husband cared for my every need and loved me through all of this. He calls me his ” Superhero” and this motivates me to stay positive and keep moving forward.

I have always believed everything happens for a reason.  I believe I was brought through this journey so I may try to help others. I have shared my story on a few different platforms (including blogs and speaking engagements) with the message of the importance of self wellness hoping to spare others from going through what I went through. In addition, I want to help those who are going through what I went through and this has been the most rewarding. I have been making mastectomy pillows and donating them to local hospitals. I am also a mentor for After Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD).

Breast cancer consumes my mind and thoughts, but focusing on helping others allows me to channel those thoughts in a positive way.

Please get your screenings when it makes sense for you and tell your doctor as soon as anything seems different. My plea for those who have been diagnosed: Stay strong and believe you will get through it. Staying strong doesn’t mean you can’t cry or have melt downs, it means you won’t give up no matter what.

~ Jamie Gallagher