May 1st, 2024, was the day that I had my first mammogram and May 10th, 2024, also known as “Mexican Mother’s Day,” was a day that changed my life. At the age of 27, I got a call at work letting me know that the biopsy they had done from my left breast and armpit, came back positive for breast cancer. I remember feeling so crushed, as that was not the news I expected to hear. Especially not on a special day that I was supposed to celebrate with my 2-year-old and husband. I also felt angry because I had been struggling with my health for 2 years prior to diagnosis and I knew something was not right. Doctors would tell me that I was “healthy and young” or it must be hormonal, so nothing was wrong, also no one else in my family had ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember the doctor on the phone was so empathetic and I could tell by the crack in her voice that it was also hard news to deliver. After that call I broke down at work and I immediately called my brother and my husband. A few days passed and they let me know that I had HER2+, PR+ and ER+ breast cancer. I met with the genetic counselor and she asked me what felt like a million questions. She ordered a genetic test for me that tested for 70 genes. I had an MRI done and that is when they found that I had a tumor on my left breast and also found something going on with my right breast. I had another biopsy done May 23rd, but this time it was my right breast and armpit. On May 28th, I got a call from my genetic counselor and my oncologist. My genetic counselor let me know that the results came in and she explained to me that I had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare gene mutation that makes individuals at higher risk of developing cancer. She apologized that it was shocking news and let me know that she would highly suggest that my mom, dad, sister, brother and son get genetic testing. Then, I got a call from my oncologist and he let me know about the Li-Fraumeni diagnosis and the pathology results from the biopsy. He let me know that there was also breast cancer on the right breast but it was not invasive. After this I got more tests done and they scheduled me for my first round of chemo. May was a long month and I tried to stay as positive as I could but instead of getting May flowers it felt like I got an avalanche.
The first week of June I finally let my parents and best friend know that I had cancer, it was the hardest news that I had ever given to my parents. Then I let my supervisor at work know and the rest of my family. Although it was tough, I felt so thankful that I had so much support. I met with my oncologist and he gave me a rundown of what my treatment would look like. He let me know that I would do 6 rounds of chemo. Then I would get a bilateral mastectomy, depending on the results of that pathology, they would determine what my following treatment would look like. He also sent a referral for me to a care team at a hospital with more experience with Li-Fraumeni. After seeing them I felt more hopeful and I felt like I got another boost to keep fighting.
The first few rounds of chemo were tiring and tough but I was working full time. The next rounds were very difficult and I had a severe allergic reaction to one of the medications. I have had my surgery and am waiting on results of more testing while getting chemo.
Emma’s LifeList:
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Trip to Berlin with her family