Boobies Blog

I'm finally making an effort to bring on some additional help to respond to the various daily requests I receive.  Kim, another young survivor, is helping manage our events schedule, How To Card requests, and Official FYB Teams.  You have been a godsend, Kim.  Below is a little about her.

KIM'S STORY

In November 2004 at age 39, I went to my OB/Gyn for a palpable lump.  I had just been in to see him for my annual physical the month or so prior so I really didn't think it was anything to be alarmed about.  After checking me, the doctor agreed that I had a lump and I needed a mammogram and to see a surgeon.  I had the mammogram and an ultrasound within three days.  Upon reviewing the films of the mammo and ultrasound himself, the Radiologists told me that my lump was benign and that I should have it checked again in 3-6 months.  I had already made plans to see the surgeon that was recommended, so against the advice of the Radiologist, I kept my appt.  That surgeon ordered an immediate biopsy of the area which I had 4 days later.  To my dismay, on December 16, 2004, the sugeon called and told me "It is cancer."  It was initially thought to me a Stage 2, Grade 2 cancer. "Slow growing" was what I remembered - "We caught it early."

After my mastectomy, I found out that I was Stage3C, with 15 positive lymph nodes and a very aggressive form of Invasive Ductal Cancer driven by a protein called HER2neu.  As a result, I faced 8 rounds of chemo, a year of herceptin, 6 weeks of radiation and a lifetime of worry. 

Fifteen months later, I found out that I had thyroid cancer as well.  After surgery and radioactive therapy, I am considered cured of the thyroid cancer.

I still see my breast oncologist every 4 months, have an MRI annually and a mammogram 6 months after the MRI.  I feel my boobies regularly in between to make sure that if ever this is a "next lump", it will be found immediately.

I'm now 41, a stay at home Mom to three children, two sons ages 11 & 9 and one daughter, age 4 and wife of 15 years to my wonderful husband.  I love working with Leigh.  She is an inspiration and a joy to work with.  I hope my involvement in FYB helps Leigh to have more time to get this life saving message out to women of every age.  Feeling your boobies can save your life.