Hi Goalies! Part II, Here we go…
So, at this point in the story I have learned
that I have stage 1 breast cancer at 26. I have some tough decisions to
make…lumpectomy vs. mastectomy and hard questions to ask the doctor…will I need
chemotherapy? Will I be able to have children? Etc. I had a few more tests
to go through that would help the doctor and I decide on the best course of
action. I had my lymph nodes checked via an MRI, I had a Oncotype DX test done
to determine if I needed chemo, I met with a fertility doctor to discuss my
options for children and met with a plastic surgeon to get details on
reconstruction….WHEW! Can we say a lot to take in? I was bombarded with
information, statistics, and decisions to make now that could impact the rest
of my life. I asked as many questions as I could and researched EVERYTHING but
Prayer was my only answer and way of getting through and finding peace in my
decisions.
After the MRI test, I found out that my lymph
nodes were clear!! A Victory because that meant the cancer had not spread;
however they found another tumor in the other breast. After learning that
news, I decided to have both breasts removed. I had a rough recovery from
surgery but my mom was there every day to care for me. She’s a gem! A few
weeks later, I learned I would NOT need chemotherapy from the Oncotype
results!! A Victory so I had a No Chemo Party with Friends. :)
Losing my breasts was a hit to my self image and
I was very emotional looking at what was left. I have now learned to celebrate
the scars as my VICTORY scars and be confident, but it’s not easy. I did not
anticipate the many emotional struggles that would come as a cancer
survivor. In future posts, I will discuss the emotional impact and mental
battle of the mind and recommend a book for anyone dealing with those
issues.
Below are a few lessons I learned from this
battle. Beating the "c" word made me a better person! I am more aware of
taking care of my body and making my health a priority. I cherish EVERY moment
and make the most of every day, I spend as much time with friends and family as
I can (physically and virtually) and I strive to DO, BE, LIVE life to fullest
because I know it can change at any moment. Stay focused GOALies…at the
end of the game, if we play to win, we will!
Rules of the Game:
1. Celebrate the small wins on your
journey!
2. Look for the blessings and lessons
in every situation!
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
4. Learn to stop and find JOY in the
simple things!
5. Breathe in Appreciation and Exhale
Joy!
6. Keep your eye on what you want to
achieve!
7. Take daily steps to move closer to
your dreams!
8. Share your journey with others!
9. Discover the purpose and meaning
in your days!
10. Each day you get another chance to celebrate
life….so live it to the fullest!
PinkHugs & Love,
Alli
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