As you know, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma and DCIS of my left breast March 22nd, 2023, at age 39. It was the worst day of my life and my life has forever been altered because of it. 

Over the past 16 months, I have had countless appointments with my multidisciplinary care team. I've had mammograms, biopsies, numerous ultrasounds, CTs, MRIs, and bone scans. I had a port placed in April 2023 and then removed in September as I no longer required frequent IV access. I endured 16 rounds of chemo over 21 weeks, shrinking my cancer significantly while making its terrible side effects completely worth it! 

On September 20th, 2023, I had a double mastectomy, left axillary lymph node dissection and implants placed. When the pathology from surgery came back I learned my official cancer staging, T3N2aM0, meaning it was stage 3 that had spread to 4-9 lymph nodes but nowhere else in my body. 

After a 12 week recovery and lots of OT to help with cording, stiffness and range of motion, I was measured for radiation and given 4 new pin-point tattoos to help ensure alignment and accuracy. From there I completed 25 radiation treatments over 36 days to help decrease my chance of recurrence from 30%, down to 7-8%. My active breast cancer treatment officially concluded on January 9th, 2024.

Since January, I continue to have frequent labs and appointments with my medical and radiation oncology teams to help keep a vigilant watch and manage my maintenance and preventative care. 

Currently, my passive cancer treatment includes monthly Eligard injections for ovarian supression; Anastrazole for hormone supression; Veozah to manage the hot flashes and night sweats; Verzenio, a type of oral chemo, to help prevent any leftover cancer cells from duplicating; along with multiple vitamins and supplements to help with the side effects of the aforementioned medications. I will also begin Zoldronic Acid injections every 6 months to help prevent bone metasteses and plan for DIEP flap reconstruction of my breasts on December 5th, 2024.

To say that cancer treatment is A LOT is a total understatement!!! The treatment course I have endured is not one for the faint of heart. I have pushed through it all only to come out on the other side stronger, fiercer, with a greater understanding for breast cancer care and compassion for all of the women who have and are currently going through this journey. 

1 in 8...that is the statistic for breast cancer occurrence. This year I would like to take the opportunity to give back to an amazing cause that has personally impacted me. Please join me on Sunday, September 22nd, the 1 year anniversary weekend of my mastectomies, for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. Follow the registration link and join Mick's Mob as we walk to end breast cancer. If you are unable to make it, please consider making a tax-deductible donation in support of my fundraising efforts. Your support helps us get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Funds raised help support breakthrough research and provide assistance to those facing breast cancer today who need our support.

Following the walk, I'd love for you to join me for lunch at Third Coast Gourmet, 309 N Water Street, Suite 190. A portion of the lunch proceeds will also be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Pease let me know if you plan on attending for an accurate head count as well as food preparation. Also, parking is limited to street parking and there is local construction, so please plan on carpooling.