My Story
Hi my name is Stacey I was 33 when I was diagnosed with HER2 ER- PR- BC on December 14, 2012. I had found my lump while breast feeding. Originally, I had thought the lump was a milk duct. The milk surrounding the lump made it very difficult to detect. After not seeing any sort of mastitis I went to my OBGYN to check it out.
From that moment on there was a battery of tests that were done mammogram and ultrasound followed by a biopsy the following week. Breast MRI, Brain MRI, and PET scans were next. On December 14, 2012 my life was forever changed. My Oncologist doctor decided chemotherapy would be the first step in treatment because the mass was 2.5 cm and I had one lymph node that came back as a high-grade metastatic cancer. Also, my PET scan showed a 4mm spot on my right lung.
My chemotherapy involved Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, and Perjeta for 6 cycles. After the 6 cycles I continued on with drug targeted therapy every 21 days with Herceptin and Perjeta. The next step in treatment was a right masectomy and sentinel node testing on June 13, 2013. My prayers were answered when the pathology came back clear, I responded to treatment. My breast surgeon was directed to remove 5 lymph nodes as a result of the Sentinel Node Testing. Due to the original known lymph node involvement at diagnosis my oncologist and radiologist/oncologist made the decision to proceed with 5 weeks of daily Radiation Treatment.
On December 20th, 2013 my Plastic Surgeon performed a delayed left mastectomy and breast reconstruction to left and right with placement of tissue expanders. The right side needed the latissimus flap procedure for reconstruction due to the aftereffects of radiation.
In 2015 my oncologist said if you are thinking of having another child go for it you have done well and I feel you are safe to do so. With God's help and a lot of prayers we welcomed Brody Hirschfield on October 13th, 2016.
I continue to see my oncologist, continue to advocate for my health, and try to pay attention to symptoms. I feel so grateful for my health and will never take for granted this opportunity I was given.
Today I feel pretty good, I have found new normal... Neuropathy/numbness in my hands is still there. BUT no evidence of disease, and that is all that matters to me!!! Continued challenges is the uncertainty that comes with this diagnosis. My prayers are continued health, to enjoy watching my sons Austin and Brody grow up, see them graduate, dance at their wedding, and become an OMA one day. My family and friends have seen me through every step of this journey! I thank you with all of my heart! God thank you for my health you were there every step!
I have just been amazed and humbled by reading a lot of the discussion boards. I will never be able to thank all of you survivors and angels that have helped and continue to bring me strength and courage during my journey. I still and will forever be changed by this disease but I will continue to fight with every breath I have. I pray for the day of a cure.
Today I feel pretty good, I have found new normal... Neuropathy/numbness in my hands is still there. BUT no evidence of disease, and that is all that matters to me!!! Continued challenges is the uncertainty that comes with this diagnosis. My prayers are continued health, to enjoy watching my sons Austin and Brody grow up, see them graduate, dance at their wedding, and become an OMA one day. My family and friends have seen me through every step of this journey! I thank you with all of my heart! God thank you for my health you were there every step!
I have just been amazed and humbled by reading a lot of the discussion boards. I will never be able to thank all of you survivors and angels that have helped and continue to bring me strength and courage during my journey. I still and will forever be changed by this disease but I will continue to fight with every breath I have. I pray for the day of a cure.
This year, I joined the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. I am dedicated to Komen's mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today 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. 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?
