I was diagnosed with metastatic invasive ductal carcinoma in April of 2021 at 34 years old. In May of 2021, I started chemotherapy. I tried not to focus on long-term side effects. I just focused on getting through one day at a time. My breast cancer is aggressive – but so am I! In June of 2022, I underwent surgery for a right breast mastectomy, followed by a liver resection and the removal of the lymph nodes under my right arm. I then started what was supposed to be 30 rounds of radiation, but just a few sessions in, everything stopped. In August of 2022, breast cancer touched my brain. I had to stop radiation and everything associated with my breast cancer treatment to focus on my brain. I had a craniotomy and five rounds of radiation to my brain. The surgery, treatments, and recovery hit me hard. I could hardly walk without assistance and I lost a significant amount of weight. I suddenly felt much older than I was. In March of 2023 I began a new chemotherapy drug.
Metastatic breast cancer is a roller coaster. Because there is no cure I will be in some form of treatment for the rest of my life. And those treatments come with difficult side effects. The constant reminders of the effects of metastatic breast cancer can be a whole other beast to deal with. I decided in the beginning that I wasn’t giving up. I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t treat my diagnosis as aggressively as possible so I could have a greater chance at life. I’m taking care of myself every day so that I can be the best me.
Ashley’s LifeList:
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Stay at a hotel with a spa experience
- PlayStation 5