Lauren’s Story

Site created on May 4, 2022

I found a lump while I was pumping in November and after it didn’t go away, decided it wasn’t a clogged duct. I saw my new dr who sent me immediately for a mammogram and ultrasound on December 6th.
They told me after the ultrasound that they were pretty sure this was cancer.
Fast forward to biopsies, MRIs, genetic testing (negative), and surgeon. I was supposed to have my lumpectomy in January, but our whole household got Covid, so it was pushed back to February.
My oncotype score was 27, so even though they removed the 3.4cm tumor with clean margins, there’s about a 16% chance it would come back metastasized in 9 years… chemo cuts that in at least half, so that’s where we are now.
Chemo for 20 weeks, radiation for 4 weeks, medication to block estrogen for 5-10 years and then we hope we’re done.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Lauren Bear

PT twice a week. I’m doing lymphedema therapy or PT twice a week at the moment.
My left wrist hurts! Most likely carpal tunnel since it’s a side effect of my medication. I used to think carpal tunnel was a hereditary issue after watching who got it and who didn’t and doing multiple ergonomic assessments. This has been an awful learning experience as far as how badly it hurts and the movements you thought you could make and what makes you want to jump out of your skin!
The side effects of being so irritated and angry already had me down to taking this exmestane (sp?) only once or twice a week even though my oncologist wants me to take it daily and then you add on this awful carpal tunnel! 
From what I’ve read, lymphedema sometimes presents after a flight or two and I’m wondering if our trip to Disney brought it out. From what my PT says, it’s nearly impossible to track and determine. It may be coincidental every time or it may be a real thing.
All I know is it really showed up after our trip. I’m wearing the neighbor’s wedding ring instead of my own (her husband passed in October and she passed a couple of weeks ago) because I’m so swollen. The wrist pain has become unbearable. 
I’m now wearing a wrist brace and hoping it holds all of the pain for my kids rushing me while doing the “bye bye” exercises that I equate to *NSYNC 😂 
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