Melissa’s Story

Site created on November 29, 2022

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.  After a routine 3D mammogram appointment on 11/8/22, I got a call to come back for a second mammogram due to a suspicious new spot. I then went for another exam on 11/15/22 that consisted of another mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy. On 11/16/22 I was diagnosed with stage 1a breast cancer. I will undergo two surgeries with the first being on 12/1/22 and the second on 12/6/22. I will have radiation for 4-5 weeks starting sometime in January. We won’t know about chemo until all of my pathology comes back after surgery. Silver lining is that I’ll get to spend quality time inside during the coldest months in WI :)

Newest Update

June 6, 2023

Journal entry by Melissa Van Asten —

Had my six month post opp mammogram today. Everything looks good. 💪🎉 I’ll go back in another six months for another check. 

I stopped the tamoxifen on 5/25 as I am still dealing with fatigue / exhaustion and that could be playing into it plus it was making me an emotional mess. 

I don’t think I’ll go back on the tamoxifen. If my tumor would’ve been 1 mm smaller they wouldn’t even recommend the med so I’m taking that as a sign I don’t need it :) 

Started PT a few weeks ago due to some cording and inflammation under my arm. It’s helping so I’m glad I decided to make that first appt. 

Hopefully  I’m on the upswing💪🙏

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