Amber’s Story

Site created on February 17, 2022

On Monday, February 7, Amber was diagnosed with triple negative ductile carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her family doctor did a fabulous job of quickly setting Amber up with a team at the Hansen Center in Batesville who ordered a rigorous series of tests to learn more about her diagnosis and treatment schedule. After meeting with her oncologist and team, Amber felt that the Hansen Center was definitely where she felt most comfortable receiving care. She was uplifted by the many familiar faces and sense of community she felt at the local facility, as well as quick turn around and general caring atmosphere. Her oncologist came highly recommended and works both in Batesville as well as Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. 

 By Tuesday, February 22, Amber had had an MRI, CT scan, port placement surgery, bone scan, echocardiogram, as well as appointments with her doctors to check lymph nodes. In true Amber form, she made sure to spend some quality time one on one with both of her kids before her treatments began. Addison and Amber went together to highlight their hair with lavender accents and also spent an afternoon skiing. Ryan enjoyed an evening of games at Dave and Buster's with Amber and a birthday celebration at home. 

 All of Amber’s tests came back positively, showing that the cancer is isolated and that chemotherapy is the course of action to take. Wasting no time, Amber received her first treatment at the Hansen Center on Thursday, February 24. Her first round of treatments include chemo every other Thursday for eight weeks. This is followed by a two-week break and then chemo most Thursdays for an additional twelve weeks. At this time, no other surgeries, or radiation are scheduled although many appointments to monitor Amber’s overall health and progress will keep her plenty busy. 

Amber feels confident and hopeful and has been encouraged by family and friends. Kevin, of course, has been a pillar of love and support as well. Updates regarding her progress over the upcoming months will be available in the journal section of this CaringBridge website. Please keep Amber and her family in your prayers. Amber welcomes texts of encouragement and uplifting notes but may or may not choose to respond. Feel free to post comments or questions on this site or reach out to friends for updates or how you might be able to help at this time. 

Newest Update

A Year's Worth of Updates!

Journal entry by Amber McGuire —

I am thrilled to share that the last year has been amazingly filled with great medical news and lots of family time. I completed reconstruction, have had great follow-up appointments with my medical team and re-grew some wild and crazy curls. I also re-entered the workforce as a part-time meeting planner at IUPUI, have been cheering the kids on at their various activities, and spending time with Kev, the kids, family and friends. I am still volunteering on the Kids Discovery Factory board (If you haven't checked KDF out yet, we're doing great things!)

The kids attended their second Camp Kesem, which has been incredible for them. Kesem supports kids whose parents have experienced any kind of cancer diagnosis. They attended camp through the IU chapter, but it's a nationwide organization, so please share!

I was blessed to attend a Casting for Recovery retreat in August. CfR supports women who've experienced breast cancer by teaching them to fly fish. It was a truly amazing weekend. Please share with any women who would benefit from time away to connect with other women and learn a cool new skill!

Many people have reached out to me to ask questions or advice for themselves or loved ones who are beginning a journey with breast cancer. While I will never have all of the answers, I am happy to share my experiences if it's helpful. Thank you for supporting me and my family through this journey!

Love, Amber

Read More of the journal titled "A Year's Worth of Updates!"
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