Last January, when I was 36, I noticed a lump in my breast, but I convinced myself it was nothing because I was too young for cancer. In April, I knew I couldn’t put off on checking this any longer and finally went to my OBGYN. She referred me to a breast care specialist. I had an ultrasound and mammogram that came back suspicious. After having an ultrasound biopsy, I got the results, triple negative breast cancer. After that, I was immediately switched to the care of my medical oncologist and started the process to freeze my eggs, in case the chemo completely destroys my fertility. Unfortunately after two tries I was only able to get one egg, but at least I have that one chance. I started chemotherapy in July. Because of the severe side effects, I had to take a leave of absence from my job as a fourth grade teacher and move back in with my parents. I have just finished six months of chemotherapy. As long as I stay healthy until February, I will be having a double mastectomy with expanders. I won’t know about possible radiation and future chemotherapy needed until after surgery.
Staci’s LifeList:
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A trip to Disneyland with her family