Carly Williams

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for Carly Williams. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Please visit Carly's story below as well as the options to help the family manage through this journey. Thank you!


Carly's Story

My mother is a breast cancer survivor so I have always been an advocate for early screening. I had my first baseline mammogram at the age of 38 and at 41 through my self exams, I found my first lump. Thankfully this lump was benign but since that, I have been going for regular screenings every six months for ultrasounds or mammograms. Through a routine ultrasound exam in mid-September, the doctors found a suspicious spot. It was deep in my tissue and not something easily detected, but luckily the ultrasound caught it early and I had it biopsied. 
 
On September 21, 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was shocking and unexpected. I consider myself an active, healthy, 45-year-old wife and working mother. The days and weeks following were difficult as I was trying to process the news and absorb all of the information the doctors were sharing, along with the numerous secondary tests, consults and hospital visits.  I also have been struggling with acceptance that this is really happening to me.....
 
Luckily, the prognosis is good!  I have invasive ductal carcinoma and the tumor is 8 mm. It is grade one, stage one cancer and my hormone receptors are all positive, which is a great sign for follow up treatment. After much research, advice and consultations, I have decided to have a double mastectomy on November 4th. The recovery will be intense, 6 weeks for this first surgery and I will be out of work until the beginning of the new year. At the time of surgery, they will be testing to see if the cancer has spread and at that time will determine what follow up treatment (such as chemo or radiation) may be needed.
 
I am so grateful for my family, my friends, my coworkers and my community that have been by my side to offer thoughts, prayers and support during this time. It takes a village! And, I am beyond thankful how large and strong my village is. It extends across the country and through relationships from different times in life and I know it is there for me to help carry me through these next few months ahead. Between my village and my faith in the Lord, I will beat this!