In early June 2024, I went for my annual mammogram. A week or so later, I was informed there was a spot on my mammogram that needed further evaluation. Next steps were to schedule a follow up mammogram and an ultrasound guided mammogram.

After the procedure was complete, the nurse told me I needed to wait while the imaging was read. A staff doctor came to the room and said she could see the spot referenced in my original mammogram. While she didn't think it was anything concerning, she couldn't be a 100% sure, so she was referring me for a biopsy.

From there, I was referred to Missouri Baptist Breast Care Center where I got my biopsy. After waiting, what felt like an eternity but realistically was 7-10 days or so, I got the call.

Heather, this is Rhonda at the Breast Care Center. Your biopsy results are back. Do you have a few minutes to talk. I remember it vividly. I was standing in line at the cafeteria at work waiting on my chicken sandwich. It was louder in there that day, so it was hard for me to hear her. I stepped out of line and moved away from the noise over by the windows. I told her, yes, I have time now. 

She said...your biopsy was malignant. You have low grade invasive ductal carcinoma in your left breast, you are ER/PR positive and your HER2 was inconclusive and an additional test, called the FISH test, is needed to make the determination. This test takes a bit to come back, and it will help us decide if you need chemo.

Slightly stunned, I wasn't sure what to say, other than ok. I then asked Rhonda if I could call her back when I got back up to my desk because I didn't have any paper to take notes on. She graciously agreed.

When I called her back, she reviewed the details of the biopsy again. I was so ignorant on the topic that I wasn't even sure what questions to ask, so I asked what many might ask, "what stage is it?" She proceeded to tell me that they weren't certain yet but with it being a smaller spot, and low grade they were optimistic it was in an early stage. (Thankfully, their intuition was correct, it was diagnosed as Stage 1.) I thanked Rhonda, who had informed me there would be two different scheduling teams calling me that day to get my care team appointments scheduled, and we hung up.

I sat at the desk and looked up some of the terms I had written down. Armed with an ever-so-slight amount of info, I called my husband.

He was at work, so I wasn't sure if he'd answer, but he did. I told him about the discussion with Rhonda just minutes before. He, too, was shocked. 

Thereafter was followed by more tests, more appointments, a lot more Googling, and ultimately a decision as to whether to have a lumpectomy with a period of radiation or a mastectomy.

Throughout the process, a second spot was identified via MRI, and a biopsy was needed of it as well. Unfortunately, the doctor couldn't locate the spot with the ultrasound and I was going to have to get an MRI guided biopsy. Well, scheduling for that was running several weeks out. With this uncertainty around the second spot and the already confirmed first spot, I elected for a unilateral mastectomy.

Near the end of July 2024, I had the mastectomy with reconstructive surgery and became cancer free! I have to take a daily hormone therapy drug to help minimize my estrogen production. Other than that, it's business as usual at this point! 

I am approaching my first post-cancer annual mammogram. I truly feel blessed to have had the support of my family, friends, work colleagues, and care teams to help me navigate this completely unfamiliar territory. The breast cancer community is truly a gracious and humble group of people. So many people reached out with offers to talk, to listen, and to share their knowledge. In fact, I had one colleague in particular, who didn't really know me all too well, reach out and offer to meet with me.  Slightly hesitant, I accepted her offer.  We met and she shared her story.  She had a double mastectomy quite some time ago. She shared so many helpful tips that I couldn't thank her enough. Since that interaction, I've been committed to paying it forward. 

Since being diagnosed, it's unimaginable the number of people that I know personally who have been directly affected by breast cancer or know someone who is/has been. I have had several friends, past co-workers, and family either be diagnosed or have to travel the path of additional testing to get clarity on a detected spot. While every breast cancer diagnosis is unique in its own way, everyone can benefit from having someone to lean on. At the end of the day, it's scary and feeling supported by those close to you as well as those who may be strangers can offer a peace you wouldn't quite expect. 

Which brings me to, my why. I share my story as an offer of support. I share my story with the hope that it will encourage at least one person to get their annual mammogram screening. Mammograms are so easily deprioritized. I'm pretty sure I haven't met anyone who thinks getting a mammogram is fun. But, despite the slight discomfort and small time investment, staying on top of your annual screening truly can save your life! I had no symptoms. I had no clue. If I wouldn't have had my annual mammogram, the cancer would still be growing and quite possibly impacting other parts of my body.

This year, I felt more compelled than ever to join the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. I'm walking for my daughter and all the women in my life...and for all the women I don't even know but feel a connection to. 

With your support, we can 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. Whether it’s emotional support via Komen’s helpline, financial support through Komen’s financial assistance program, or navigation services to break down barriers to care, Komen will be there for them.

Ending breast cancer needs all of us, and your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.

Will you please join me in this fight by making your donation today?