I was diagnosed with stage llA breast cancer (hormonally driven) at the age of 29 after finding a lump in my left breast while doing a self exam. I was diagnosed two months before my original wedding date, but as to not postpone treatment, my husband and I moved our wedding date up a month to share our special day with our loved ones. As we had been looking forward to starting a family, we began the IVF process days before our wedding in hopes to eventually have children despite having to go through chemotherapy treatment.
I underwent chemotherapy treatment beginning on July 3rd, and rang the bell on December 14th. I also receive injections every few weeks to keep my body in menopause. While being treated this fall, I continued to work as an 8th grade math teacher. Though it has been a tough journey, with many changes to our life plans, I am very grateful for all the support from my husband, family, friends, colleagues, and students. I am looking forward to taking the next steps in my treatment plan to get healthy.
I have completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy. I have a double mastectomy scheduled in January in order to lower the risk of my breast cancer returning or spreading. I will keep receiving injections monthly, and will be on medication for the next few years to block the effects of estrogen on the hormone receptor positive breast cancer cells.
Stephanie’s LifeList:
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A Peloton bike