Cathy’s Story

Site created on June 17, 2019

Everyone has an individual journey and a story to tell, this is my story. I have been recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer.

My journey began 4 years ago… I was diagnosed as high risk for breast cancer, not because a lump was found but because I have abnormal cells known to be a cause. I was advised to undergo a 5-year cancer treatment plan that would lower my risk of developing the disease. I was diligent and eager to be done with my meds and already starting to count down the last days of this treatment plan. 

All scans were clear, all doctor appointments were good. My last routine scan took place in December 2018, nothing abnormal... except I started having concerns due to changes I was noticing. I talked to my oncologist...got the clear, I talked to my primary... got the clear. 

I sat quietly over the past few months hiding my fear as changes continued to occur. Over the last few weeks I started having pains as well and took the initiative to contact my Doctor again; my worries hadn’t diminished, and I now officially felt a lump. Over the span of 1 week, I had a mammogram, an ultrasound, biopsies and an MRI. I officially have been diagnosed with breast cancer... the words were numbing as I did it all right and ended up with this darn thing growing in my breast. 

When I meet my surgeon next week to discuss a plan, I want to be aggressive. At 50 years old, I want the ability to choose to rid myself of a body part that may continue to cause me issues. I admit I have fears but not so much that I risk losing myself in the process. I share my story as I did 4 years ago in hopes that someone out there will listen to their body and stand up for themselves. Every doctor has been amazed that 6 months ago I was clear as day and now I am facing a storm. With the love of my family and friends, I am taking control as I want to live. I am standing tall and telling anyone who will listen...know your body, listen to its cries, don’t be afraid to tell someone that something isn’t right. 

As I start this cancer journey, my story will continue as my friends take over with updates on a Caring Bridge page. If you want to follow, please do. As I share this with you, I ask that you share with someone who needs to know they too have a voice that can be heard.

Loving God, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering, lend skill to the hands of my healers, and bless the means used for my cure. Give me such confidence in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Savior Jesus Christ. - Amen.

  Thank you, Cathy



Newest Update

Journal entry by Jennifer McDermott

Hello everyone!! I am recuperating well with positive thoughts of reconstruction beginning in the next few weeks. Since my last note and after waiting a long 2 weeks on additional results, I received the call...I will NOT be going on a chemo therapy. There was allot of discussion between the tears and trying to keep my composure but for the first time in 8 weeks I feel I can move forward. Unfortunately with good news also comes news of next steps...as I’m still considered middle age, I unfortunately have the hormones that go along with that. Research has found that the ovaries of a woman feed the cells of breast cancer so my next step is to schedule surgery to remove my ovaries and lesson my chances of a reoccurrence. With this and going on a regimen of new medication, I will be taking all of the precautionary steps that I can to keep me healthy. This journey is still moving but knowing a plan is in place, definitely allows me to breathe easier and continue looking ahead. I am filled with strength of family and friends that will continue to hold me up. Thank you for continued prayers as I face the devil in the face...cancer will not win this battle. 🥊 #proudlywearingmycape, #breastcancersurvivor, #prettyinpink
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