My journey began in April 2024 when I started feeling unwell. As a foodie, losing my appetite was a red flag, so I saw my doctor. A routine exam revealed pelvic pain, leading to a CAT scan. I assumed it was due to fibroids I had in 2021, but the results showed a pelvic mass that required surgery. Thankfully, it was benign, but the hysterectomy sent me into surgical menopause—a struggle in itself.
That same scan, by sheer luck, also caught a mass in my right breast. My doctor suspected a benign fibroadenoma, but an ultrasound raised concerns. A biopsy confirmed the worst: invasive ductal carcinoma, Grade 3, ER/PR positive, HER2-negative. I was in shock—how could I have breast cancer when I had no symptoms?
More tests followed. An MRI found additional suspicious areas in both breasts. Another painful biopsy confirmed it—breast cancer in both breasts, a rare diagnosis. With aggressive tumors in my right breast, a mastectomy was my only option. I chose a bilateral mastectomy to reduce my risk and avoid repeating this nightmare.
On September 12, 2024, I had my surgery. The pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced, but pathology brought relief—no cancer in my lymph nodes! Unfortunately, my oncotype score was high, meaning I needed chemotherapy. Four rounds later, I was done, grateful but changed.
Now, I’m awaiting my final reconstruction surgery in March. This past year has been a whirlwind, but I’ve come out of it with a deep appreciation for life, laughter, and the people who stood by me.
So come walk with me. Let’s fight this disease together—I can’t wait to see you! Sarah B
**If you are not able to do the walk, will you please join us in this fight by making a donation today?