First post:
Jul 25, 2018 Latest post:
Apr 20, 2020
In May I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Its the rarest form of breast cancer and I do not fit the "typical" profile. Within a month I had lab tests, biopsies, Mri, Mri with contrast, more biopsies, and CAT scans. I had a procedure to have a port implanted to make my blood draws and chemo easier to access, due to the number of sticks. Because I do not fit the typical demographic profile, I am also participating in a genetic study. There is a possibility that I have tested negative for HER2 gene and this study will also give clarity. I eat healthy, exercise, spiritual health is good, no drugs, no smoking, and occasional alcohol. My only negative lifestyle factors are stress, carrying hurt, and my sleep is not consistent.
I was not excited at all about chemo; matter of fact I was determined not to do chemo, until I became educated on my type of cancer tumors. I have 5 tumors, three are malignant. Because I am Triple Negative my chance of survival is 77%; however, if I have a reoccurrence within 3 years it drops to 22%. There is a good chance my cancer is more of an autoimmune problem. I tried to get immunotherapy however in the USA it is not approved yet for breast cancer. However, I was able to find a study that I was lucky enough to be able to participate in. It is a double blind study. There are 1500 participants nationally. 750 will get immunotherapy, 750 will get a placebo. Because there is a chance to get a placebo conventional chemo, surgery and radiation will still be given. So in essence I may be getting hit with both therapies. Its pretty intense. 22 weeks of chemo and immunotherapy, 2 weeks off, surgery, then 5 and a half weeks of daily radiation.
I am going to document my journey through photos. Feel free to follow my journey through the photo gallery. I will have weekly updates only through photos documenting my journey.
Thank you to all for the prayers, cards, well wishes, meals, and love. I feel very BLESSED and I am extremely humbled by the outpouring of support. It means so much. I am not scared. I know in my bones I will be healed. Gods got this.
