Angie Gerhards GiGi's Journey

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In mid-February Angie found a lump in her right breast.  At that time she was about 14 weeks pregnant, so initially we chalked it up to one of the many not-so-joyous effects of that.  At her 16 week OB check up on February 27th she had her doctor check it out.  He felt that it was likely nothing of concern, but sent her for an ultrasound.  After an ultrasound, a mammogram, an intimidating office and a doctor of radiology that really liked to excited ramble and drop the word cancer frequently her life was suddenly changed.   From that point on it was a flurry of appointments and waiting for phone calls.


So far the treatment, concern and compassion she's received from the KU Med Breast Cancer team has shown that she is in the right hands.   She has Invasive Ductile Carcinoma, with some Ductile Carcinoma and impacted lymph nodes.   Angie's cancer is Triple Positive, meaning it reacts to Estrogen, Progesterone and HER2.  Advances in cancer treatments have lead to ways to target all three, but the treatment for HER2 cannot be administered while she is pregnant.   For a non-pregnant woman in her situation a standard form of treatment would be chemo first, then surgery.  Due to the pregnancy that is not an option for Angie, so they will be starting with a single radical mastectomy and full lymph node dissection on the right side.   The surgery is scheduled for March 30th. Recovery from surgery is anticipated to last about 4 - 6 weeks.  About 2 weeks after surgery they will administer 4 rounds of chemo, one every 3 weeks.  She'll then take a break for "baby time", to deliver and care for her sweet baby girl.  After the baby is born she will have chemo and radiation for approximately a year after.  


Angie has a long road ahead of her, but it is one she is bravely ready to face.  Understandably, some days are stronger than others but the good days are winning out.  She is ready to receive her treatment and live happily ever after with Mike, their baby girl, and their families.    We'll keep you posted along the way.