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 and 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. Despite the awful side effects, it shank my cancer significantly, making it 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 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 maintain a vigilant watch and to manage my maintenance and preventative care. Currently, my passive cancer treatment includes monthly injections and a handful of pills for hormone supression and recurrance prevention. Though I am still experiencing some mild side effects from these meds, it is nothing compared to those I experienced during active treatment. I finally feel like I have reclaimed my life and activity status, and am so thankful to be able to enjoy a full, fun-filled summer!

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 a deep 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.

Plan on wearing all things pink and/or your Mick's Mob shirt from my benefit last summer. If you do not have a Mick's Mob shirt and would like to purchase one, my friend Chrissy has graciously opened up the online store again for this event. Please order no later than September 10th to ensure orders are fulfilled by the day of the event.

https://form.jotform.com/christineelizabeth1226/Michellesmob

Following the walk, I'd love for you to join me for lunch at Third Coast Gourmet, 309 N. Water Street, Suite 190. Pease let me know if you plan on attending for an accurate head count for food preparation. Also, parking is limited to street parking and there is also local construction, so please plan on carpooling if you are able. 

Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to seeing you on September 22nd!