Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
Hello, my name is Jasmine Iordachi and I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on February 23rd, 2018 at the age of 30. Shocked and in disbelief, I never thought that this could happen to me, especially at this age. Growing up I knew breast cancer ran in my family on my father's side but I never understood the complexity of the disease or what precautions to take. All I knew was that my father's mother died from the disease at the age of 48 and both of my paternal aunts recovered from breast cancer in their 50s.
So what does Triple Negative Breast Cancer mean? It means that my cancers cells test negative for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 hormone receptors. Meaning that this type cannot be treated with hormone therapy like most breast cancers. This is a very aggressive and fast-growing cancer. It's uncommon for the fact that Triple Negative Breast Cancer makes up 15% of all breast cancers but it's not uncommon due to the fact that it is likely found in young women and African American women. What a double whammy for me! Unfortunately, hormone or targeted therapy is not an option. Medically, only chemotherapy is the best defense in shrinking the tumors and the cancer cells followed by surgery followed by radiation is the key to remission.
There are 5 stages of breast cancer. From 0 to 4. 0 being the most limited of cells to 4 being metastasized or spread to other organs beyond the breast. I was diagnosed at with Stage 3B. This means the cancer cells have advanced to surrounding breast tissue and in my lymph nodes in my armpit. Just typing those words makes me sick to my stomach. Statistically, this diagnosis has a 40% chance of survival after therapy.
But with a new perspective of life, I'm focusing on letting go of all stress because literally life is too short. I'm trying to enjoy each day and have faith in Jesus , faith in doctors and faith in myself to be strong enough to weather the storm. I don't seek pity but I do seek support and love.
