I know it’s been a while since my last update. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been trying to get on with my post-surgery life. Work has been crazy busy. We got Danny back to school last month for his sophomore year at CNU. Summer feels like it’s slipping away, and while it’s definitely taking time, I’m getting back to my daily exercise routine — my runs are up to four-five miles and while I need to modify here and there, it’s been great to return to my yoga mat.

Weekly appointments with my plastic surgeon ended last week until my transfer surgery is scheduled. I continue to struggle to sleep with the tissue expanders, but healing seems to be going really well. 

In the meantime, I’ve been waiting for two important test results that will help to shape my next phases of care.

First — I received the results of my genetic testing, which uncovered the likely cause of my breast cancer. Of the 46 “cancer genes” that were tested, the results revealed a genetic mutation in the PALB-2 gene, which has been found to increase the likelihood of breast cancer by 30%-60%. This really validated my decision to have the bilateral mastectomy. Had I not made that choice, that would be among my most immediate next steps, so I’m very grateful to have that behind me. The most important implications of these results are really for my mom, sisters and nieces. While I had hoped there was not a genetic cause for my cancer, I’m hopeful that knowing this will help my family members make better informed choices about their health moving forward.

Second, after an initial meeting with my oncologist last month, I’ve been waiting to receive my oncotype test results. This is a relatively new genetic test of the pathology of my tumor that can predict the degree to which chemo will help to prevent reccurance of my cancer.

This week, I learned that my test results revealed that chemo will reduce my risk of recurrence enough to warrant the negatives that can come with chemo. It could definitely be much worse — the type of chemo recommended for me is relatively mild. I’m hoping not to need a port and I may even be able to keep most of my hair. My first chemo treatment is planned for October 2 and I’ll have a total of eight treatments, every three weeks for six months. 

I really have had mixed feelings about chemo leading up to my appointment this week. While my first instinct was obviously that I did not want to need it, at least I know I’m doing all I can to keep the cancer from coming back. 

Assuming all goes well, my second surgery to replace the tissue expanders will be pushed to the spring, when I’ve completed my chemo treatments.

The love and support continues to flow my way from friends, family and colleagues near and far, and I continue to be grateful and SO humbled by it all. The words “thank you,” just don’t seem to be adequate.

More updates to come as I have them.

For now, PLEASE schedule those screenings — nothing beats early detection!