Diagnosis of Breast Cancer


If you know me well, you know that one of my passions in life has been to fight for a cure for breast cancer. Since losing someone close to me to this horrible disease just after college, I have continued to work to educate and support research in any way I can.

It appears that all the reading, researching, and educating I did on this topic were more valuable that I imagined. Wednesday, I got the call and results that I had been terrified about since my early twenties, and what I believe I already knew to be true - “You have breast cancer.”
I firmly believe that education and advocating in health care is extremely important. I hope that others will be able to learn from my journey.

Two weeks ago, I found a lump and went into full panic mode. I was able to get in the next day with the last open appointment. After this they scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound where I was told they were 95% sure I had breast cancer. A few days later I went for a biopsy and waited five incredibly long days for the results. I have been told many times that I caught this early and that is one of the best things that could have happened.
I have lots of appointments in the near future where a plan will be determined.

A few things on my mind:
1. This is so ironic since this has been a deep seated part of my anxiety and such a big part of my life.
2. I found this 3 days after breast cancer awareness month while still rocking my pink hair. What are the odds!?
3. I’m terrified, but hopeful and ready to fight.
4. I’m so lucky to live by Mayo Rochester!
5. I’m worried about my kids and Dave. Treat them kindly. They just had a bomb dropped on them!
6. I am so lucky to have supportive friends and family!
7. If you ever find yourself in this situation, call Mayo on repeat.
There was NO way I was waiting for their first opening for the initial mammogram at the end of November!

Tonight, we decorated our final trees. This one has been around for years, and my kids know it’s our tree of hope for those we have lost and those who have fought breast cancer. It meant something different this year to all of us. We will keep hope and attempt to find peace through the ups and downs of this journey.






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