So my story begins on September 11,2017 when I went to get a routine physical which was a requirement for clinical placement for my nurse practitioner program. My amazing NP found a small lump in my right upper outer breast. She didn’t seem too worried about it but asked that I go have an ultrasound and mammogram (which I was due for anyway).
So on October 6,2017 I went In For these tests and at the end the radiologist sat down next to me and said “I’m sorry but you have invasive ductal carcinoma”. I was shocked and speechless. I have no cancer history in my family and very few risk factors. I was hoping he was wrong. I sobbed on my way home and called my husband Jake and my mom. I think they were as stunned as I was.
The following Tuesday, October 10th I had a biopsy and was called on the 12 to Inform me that I had triple negative breast cancer (you can read more about it here
https://tnbcfoundation.org/understanding-triple-negative-breast-cancer/It is a devastating diagnosis especially with a handsome, sweet, precious 7 year old son whom I desperately want to watch him grow up.
On October 28th I flew to Boston to get a second opinion at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and met with an amazing team of doctors who told me “from this point forward we are part of your medical team regardless of where you seek treatment “. That felt really good! The more smart people helping me navigate this shitstorm of cancer the better.
When I returned from DFCI I had my port placed and went with my amazing girlfriends to get my pre-chemo haircut. Good times.
So the plan is for me to receive my chemo here (first dose was yesterday and i feel like i have the worst hangover known to man 🤢) for 5 months and then return to DFCI for surgery and then back here for 5 weeks of radiation. I have a long difficult road ahead of me but know with the loving support from friends and family near and far, I can do this!
I appreciate your prayers, support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
All my love,
Meghan (Jake and Duncan)
