Hi everyone! This is Mandy- Savannah’s cousin/sister/aunt all rolled in one! We thought a platform like this would be easier for everyone to follow her journey and a place where we could update you all at once as we move along in this fight!
As some of you may know, Savannah was recently diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma aka Breast Cancer. I will share her story and her attack plan here and provide any updates, too!
About six weeks ago, Savannah discovered a knot in her breast. She has had multiple cysts before and they have typically been fluid filled and resolve on their own. This one felt different. About the same time, Lizzy Musi announced her diagnosis with breast cancer and, after watching her video, she decided she needed to get herself checked. She already had a relationship with a breast specialist, who had evaluated her for the prior cysts, so she made an appointment with her. Thank goodness she did and did so quickly!
Her story: On May 10, she went to the breast specialist and she agreed the lump did not feel like her others in the past. She did an ultrasound in her office and proceeded to schedule Savannah for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound to get a better look. On Friday, May 12 she went for those tests and they found two masses (in the same breast) and decided a biopsy of both masses was needed. On Tuesday, May 16 she had her biopsy and she was given the results later in the week… words that no one ever wants to hear and is never really prepared to hear.
What we know: Her pathology showed that one mass (the one she felt) is positive for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. The mass is hormone positive and HER2 negative. The second mass (that she could not feel) came back with atypical cells and they were unable rule that it was benign. Her lymph nodes were not swollen on the mammogram (which is a great sign and increases hope that the cancer is contained within her breast and hasn’t spread). We went this week to meet with the oncology surgeon and she was given surgery options and an initial treatment plan. We know that she will need surgery and radiation once a day for four weeks following surgery. There is a likely possibility that she will also need chemo as well. Due to her age (under 40), the chances for reoccurrence of the cancer significantly increases and we definitely want to make sure that they are confident that surgery and radiation get it all, and kill any cells that could have already traveled throughout her body. She is currently scheduled for an MRI and a few other tests that will also help them determine what surgery will look like and assist in her after surgery treatment plan as well. Current plan: She is scheduled for surgery in June. During the surgery they will remove both masses and send them off for further testing. They will also remove 1-3 lymph nodes during the lumpectomy as well. Once the pathology comes back on the masses and the nodes, if they are confident the cancer was excised and it has not spread, she will then be sent to oncology for the radiation and/or chemo plan. If they feel they need to take more, she will then have a mastectomy followed by additional surgeries. We are hopeful that isn’t the case since she caught it super early.
If you know Savannah, you already know that cancer messed with the wrong girl this time! She has her dukes up and is ready to fight this fight head on! She has a great support system of friends and family that will be beside her through it all and she is so thankful for that!
We would greatly appreciate all of the prayers and good vibes sent her way! This news has been very shocking for all of us and there are so many decisions to be made and so much information to take in. We are remaining positive and hopeful this will all be over before we know it!
We also want to encourage all of you to do your self exams and follow your gut! If you have not had a recent exam by your doctor or are behind on your yearly mammogram- do not put it off! Her quick action and her amazing doctors moving so quickly could have possibly saved her life! Act now- don’t wait! We hope that by sharing her story that it will help someone else- as Lizzy did her!
Thank you for your support, prayers, and encouragement! I’ll make sure to keep everyone updated as new developments occur!
Savannah will have her double mastectomy surgery on Thursday, 11/30. The dr said it would be a 4-5 hour surgery and we are hopeful for her to come home that day as well. Please continue to keep her and her surgical team in your prayers! Specifically pray for a smooth surgery and recovery, and that the pathology shows clear margins after the removal!
Once her body has healed from surgery she will begin her daily radiation treatments for 30-35 rounds. We will not know the exact plan for radiation until we receive the pathology back from her mastectomy.
She still has a long road ahead of her, but is remaining upbeat and positive. She is ready to get the surgery behind her and Banks is ready for all of the extra snuggles during her downtime!
We thank you all for the prayers and encouragement that you have given to her and our family!
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