Hi Beautiful People! I am going to share the beginning of my battle with
breast cancer. Here we go...
I have always been pretty health conscious, nearly a
hypochondriac. I wanted to go to the doctor for any and everything,
even as a child. Breast Cancer became a cause I was aware of after 2
of my dad’s sisters were diagnosed and ultimately both passed away. My second aunt passed away when I was in college, I was so concerned so I researched breast cancer
and asked my doctor what I should do. She mentioned self-exams that I
could do in the shower. So, I started breast self-exams in college.
In September of 2011 at the age of 26, I felt a hard, round lump
in my left breast that I had never felt before. I was nervous but
prayed and continue to monitor the lump for about a week. When it
did not go away or get smaller, I decided to go to the doctor. My
regular doctor was out of town, so I saw her partner since it was
important. He gave me an exam and thought it was a fibroid tumor and
suggested I take Vitamin E to reduce the size. He also suggested I
get an ultra sound just so we are sure. He was pretty sure it was a
fibroid due to my age, but I was happy to do the ultra sound to ease my mind.
I went for an ultrasound a few days later and was in the office a
little longer than I considered normal. The radiologist came in to
do some imaging himself and then ordered a mammogram be performed that day.
After I got dressed, the radiologist wanted to talk to me that
afternoon in his office. Usually, after a scan, you go home and get
the news later. I was super nervous since the radiologist wanted to talk that
same day. He told me the lump was actually a solid mass and there is
a good chance that it is cancer. I couldn’t believe what I was
hearing. He sternly suggested that I get a biopsy done within the
week to be sure.
Fast forward a few days, I had the biopsy completed and left
praying and claiming victory no matter what the doctors said. The next day, I
received a phone call that would rock my world. I thought the
doctors were calling to check on me after the biopsy as planned. The
voice on the other end was actually my regular doctor and she had my biopsy
results. She goes on to say she wishes she could be there to hug me,
but wanted to tell me as soon as possible. She simply said these 3
words…It is cancer. Huh? What did you say? I couldn’t
believe it! I asked what stage? Am I going to beat this? How bad? What? Me?
Breast cancer? At 26? No way!
For 1 week, all I knew is that I had cancer…I did not know the
stage, the prognosis or anything. My family was so great in keeping
me busy and occupied so that I would not dwell on the news. God
blessed me with unspeakable joy, faith and strength throughout the
process. 1 week later I received the official diagnosis. Stage 1
DCIS (Ductal carcinoma in situ) non-aggressive, ER/PR positive…..what does that mean? It
meant I had an early diagnosis and a great chance to beat this thing and I was
sooooooo happy! My doctor was great in explaining the diagnosis and
reviewing all the treatment options available.
My first tough decision was deciding between a lumpectomy (to
remove the tumor only) or a mastectomy (to remove my full breast). I
remembered terrible images in the past of women fighting breast cancer that
lost their breasts and I cried like a baby!
I had some tough decisions to make on this journey and I learned
to depend on God like never before. I learned so much about myself, my
spiritual relationship with God and the importance of prayer and
faith. Stay Tuned! I will share more about the cancer journey, the
lessons I’ve learned through this battle and other battles throughout my
life. Hopefully we can start a great dialogue and grow better
together. Let’s Go Goalies!!
PinkHugs & Love,
Alli
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