Laura Addonisio BigS

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.  If you are visiting then you already know Laura has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.  The more technical name is triple negative invasive ductile carcinoma.  The name alone is scary enough.  This is considered a more aggressive cancer; however, it has been known to respond well to chemotherapy.  When followed by surgery there are good odds for a complete cure.  


My journey begins with a round of tests to determine the size of the mass, if the lymph nodes have been effected and the health and strength of my heart to be sure I can withstand the effects of the chemo.  The day following the tests come surgery.  The surgery is to insert a port into my chest so that all medicines and fluids can be administered through it going forward.  This is better than being poked with needles throughout the process.


Depending on test results, chemo is expected to start the following week.  The hope is for a 16 week course with a new dose every two weeks. The doctors claim advancements allow this process to be difficult but not horrific.  I will lose my hair about 2 weeks in.  I can also expect to be fatigued throughout.  Most important to me is the ability to have some quality of life throughout the process.  So I've been assured that I can expect to function at 50-75% of normal.  This will allow me to still be a mom to Sarah, still be a partner to my beautiful wife and still work in some capacity that adds value to my company.  It will look different and take some adjustment but it can be done.


After the chemotherapy will come a month of recovery to build strength for the surgery.  The surgery will depend on several factors.  If the mass responds well to chemo a lumpectomy followed by radiation will suffice.  If the lymph nodes have been compromised than a mastectomy is in order and finally if I have a genetic risk factor we'll likely be looking at a double mastectomy.


My goal is to stay positive and strong.  There is only one possible outcome and that is a complete cure.  I've accomplished much in my life but I am not done being a mother to Sarah or a wife to Deb and I will fight with everything I have to continue to do both for as long as possible.  I so appreciate the outpouring of love and support I have received.  It both bolsters and comforts me.  


I will try to keep this page updated but please call or drop a line or text.  I would still love to hear from you.  I love you all.  If I can ask for anything I ask that you look out for and support my family while I temporarily can't.   They are incredibly capable but will need hugs and support.  Together I know we can beat this.  Thank you.