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afreshchapter
(Survivor (1 year))| Communities: Breast Cancer | Answers: 17 |
| Member Since: Aug. 2011 |
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Personal Info
Location: BC, Vancouver
Age: 34
Gender: Female
Marital Status: Single
Ethnicity:
White
Speaks:
English
Webpage:
http://www.afreshchapter.com
Ask me about:
Blogs, Volunteering in Africa, Writing, Starting a Fresh Chapter in your life
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/freshchapter
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/afreshchapter
Health Bio (My Health Story)
I currently live in Vancouver, Canada and I am a world traveller, Blogger, friend, sister, aunt, daughter, niece, wine lover, post-wine booty shaker, writer, dreamer, and breast cancer survivor. I found out at the age of 20 that I have the BRCA1 genetic mutation and after careful screening through a high risk program with the BC Cancer Agency, I had two biopsies in the fall of 2009 and was diagnosed with a Stage One, Grade 3 tumour in October of 2009. Within 2 1/2 weeks of my diagnosis, I had a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection. In January of 2010, I went through four rounds of chemo and then had a double mastectomy and partial reconstruction (using tissue expanders) in May of 2010. After getting "inflated" over a few months, I went in for my final surgery in January of 2011. Due to my high risk of ovarian cancer, my doctors have recommended removing my ovaries no later than 40, but at only 32, I am not ready to make that decision yet. I recently returned from a 10 week trip in Africa where I had the chance to volunteer with under privileged children and travel through the breathtaking countries of Namibia and Botswana. I write a blog A Fresh Chapter and am hard at work on a book. To see some of my recent posts and read about the letter I sent to Oprah about my book, come visit me on my blog: www.afreshchapter.com.
Health Info
- Disease: Breast Cancer
- Tumor grade: 3
- Lymph nodes: no lymph nodes involved
- Date of diagnosis: 09/30/2009
- Recurrent: no
- Initial Symptoms
- No symptoms. It was discovered through a MRI as part of my regular screening thanks to my BRCA1 gene mutation
afreshchapter Activities
I wish I had known how hard it would be end treatment with all of the pressure from family and friends to return to "normal". I didn't feel like my old self and felt under supported as I tried to evaluate what really mattered to me and juggled fatigue and my fears of reoccurrence. A resource I found really helpful is a book called "Picking Up The Pieces" by Dr. Sherri McGee and Kathy Scalzo. Then my trip to Africa earlier this year really helped me move forward in a more heathy way.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Patient Experiences, Breast Cancer, Patient Learnings, Survivor, Cancer
8
Answers |
1 year ago
I wish I had a good answer for this:) Some days, I just allowed myself to be lazy and do absolutely nothing other than lie on the couch. But, if I felt a little bit of energy, I would start small. A trip to the laundry room, a walk to the corner store, and eventually build up to walking a few blocks until my energy slowly came back.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Helpful Activities, Activities, Self-Motivation, Therapeutic Activities, Side Effects, Exercise, Cancer
3
Answers |
1 year ago
HI:) I'm not sure if it ever feels completely better. But, for me it took about 6 weeks post implants to feel back to normal. Now (almost a year later), there are days I forget I have them and other days when they'll feel a little tender around the muscles - but that's usually because I've been doing yoga or jogging and have irritated my chest area.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Breast Reconstruction, Implants, Breasts
4
Answers |
1 year ago
Hi! When I was going through chemo I used to rent boxed TV series because my attention span lasted for anywhere from 20 - 40 minutes. I also read magazines rather than books and these little switches helped.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Helpful Activities, Activities, Entertainment, Chemotherapy Experiences, Chemotherapy
2
Answers |
1 year ago
When I first started blogging, I told myself I didn't have to hit "publish" because it scared me to be vulnerable with my emotions. But, what I found is that after I pressed publish the first time and received a couple of comments, I would think about the 1 person who might feel less alone if I posted about my own experience. Even now, I try not to think about all of the strangers who have a window into my life and try to write each post for just 1 friend. Having an outlet to share my feelings has helped me through the roller coaster of post treatment life.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Helpful Activities, Writing, Patient Experiences, Blogging, Sharing, Therapeutic Activities, Sharing Experiences, Tips, Cancer
2
Answers |
1 year ago
What a great answer. Look at us validating each other ;-) Seriously though, I think it's important to find a balance. I definitely think it's time you used your spa certificate. You deserve it. Thank you for echoing my need to have conversations outside of the cancer community that have nothing to do with cancer, but also to form friendships within the cancer community that are about so much more than just cancer.
Big hugs to you and keep up the amazing work!
Terri
Big hugs to you and keep up the amazing work!
Terri
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Survivorship, Giving Back, Life After Cancer, Life Balance, Cancer
2
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1 year ago
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) asked the question in topic(s) Survivorship, Giving Back, Life After Cancer, Life Balance, Cancer
2
Answers |
1 year ago
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) asked the question in topic(s) Non-carcinogenic Products, Skin Care Products, Products, Self Care Products, Self Care, Skin Care
1
Answer |
1 year ago
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) asked the question in topic(s) Books, Career, Survivors, Career Change, Resources
3
Answers |
1 year ago
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) asked the question in topic(s) BRCA-1, Patient Decisions, Prophylactic Mastectomy, Breast Cancer, Prophylactic Choice, Breast Surgery, BRCA Mutations, BRCA-2, Mastectomy
1
Answer |
1 year ago
My heart goes out to you. What a tough, tough day it must be for you. I remember walking around in a shocked limbo state for a few days.
I was diagnosed with a grade 3/stage 1 tumour in October of 2009. Given my age (30) and my BRCA1 gene mutation, my doctors recommended that I start with a lumpectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy, but also suggested a follow up bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction as a precaution against a second breast cancer diagnosis (either in the same or the other breast). All of this being said, my aunt who has the same genetic mutation had breast cancer (stage 2) 18 years ago and opted to have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. She still gets screened regularly, but has been cancer free ever since. It was not an easy decision, but I went through the double mastectomy in May of 2010 and had my final stage of the reconstruction in January of this year. I won't lie and tell you it was easy (physically or emotionally), but I am so relieved to never have to get another mammogram or MRI again. The results don't look as good as I imagined, but I am alive and cancer free. For this, I will always be grateful.
Know that there is no right answer because what might be right for me; might not be right for you. Although so many of us have been through breast cancer, we all have a unique story. Thank you for reaching out to the community and please let me know if you have any follow up questions or just need an ear. Big hugs, Terri
I was diagnosed with a grade 3/stage 1 tumour in October of 2009. Given my age (30) and my BRCA1 gene mutation, my doctors recommended that I start with a lumpectomy and four rounds of chemotherapy, but also suggested a follow up bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction as a precaution against a second breast cancer diagnosis (either in the same or the other breast). All of this being said, my aunt who has the same genetic mutation had breast cancer (stage 2) 18 years ago and opted to have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. She still gets screened regularly, but has been cancer free ever since. It was not an easy decision, but I went through the double mastectomy in May of 2010 and had my final stage of the reconstruction in January of this year. I won't lie and tell you it was easy (physically or emotionally), but I am so relieved to never have to get another mammogram or MRI again. The results don't look as good as I imagined, but I am alive and cancer free. For this, I will always be grateful.
Know that there is no right answer because what might be right for me; might not be right for you. Although so many of us have been through breast cancer, we all have a unique story. Thank you for reaching out to the community and please let me know if you have any follow up questions or just need an ear. Big hugs, Terri
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Patient Decisions, Patient Experiences, Patient Support, Patient Stories, Bilateral Mastectomy, Breast Surgery, Patient Opinions, Mastectomy
6
Answers |
1 year ago
Love this! I feel like I should print it out and slide it into my journal for my upcoming trip. The phrases...don't let yourself panic and do the hard things first are really resonating with me today. Thank you Brenda.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Survivorship, Breast Cancer, Survivorship Tips, Survivor, Cancer, Survivorship Skills
2
Answers |
1 year ago
Susan,
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so right when you say that everyone responds differently. My Dad and one of my Aunts have the BRCA1 mutation (2/5) siblings). My Dad insisted my sister and I get the testing at a young age so we could be proactive. Luckily my sister does not carry the gene mutation. However, my Aunt encouraged my cousins to NOT get the test. She didn't want it to scare them and impact their lives given how tough her own diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 44 was on her daughters. So, my two cousins, who are both around my age get access to bi-annual screening, but don't live with the same degree of fear. When they lie in the MRI machine, they can tell themselves they probably DON'T have the gene, whereas, I would lie there waiting to get cancer. In some ways, I wish I would have had the opportunity to deal with it that way. But, hindsight is 20/20, isn't it?
Thank you for sharing your story. You are so right when you say that everyone responds differently. My Dad and one of my Aunts have the BRCA1 mutation (2/5) siblings). My Dad insisted my sister and I get the testing at a young age so we could be proactive. Luckily my sister does not carry the gene mutation. However, my Aunt encouraged my cousins to NOT get the test. She didn't want it to scare them and impact their lives given how tough her own diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 44 was on her daughters. So, my two cousins, who are both around my age get access to bi-annual screening, but don't live with the same degree of fear. When they lie in the MRI machine, they can tell themselves they probably DON'T have the gene, whereas, I would lie there waiting to get cancer. In some ways, I wish I would have had the opportunity to deal with it that way. But, hindsight is 20/20, isn't it?
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) replied to answer by member9723 (High Risk Individual)
5
Answers |
1 year ago
As a BRCA gene mutation carrier, I have had access to excellent screening on my breasts since the age of 23. When an MRI picked up the tumour in June of 2009, it was so small that it took an ultrasound and 2 biopsies to confirm that it was cancer. When I got diagnosed at the age of 30, my genetics oncologist called to tell me how sorry she was, but that they had found a "little" cancer. I know she said this to make me feel better about the situation, but it just made me feel frustrated...isn't cancer still cancer no matter what size it is?
Although my tumour was small and hadn't yet spread to my lymph nodes, it was still an aggressive Grade 3, triple negative tumour. In some respects, it seems like I should have felt more grateful because the tumour was "only" Stage 1. But, I didn't feel grateful at all. I still had to go through three surgeries and four rounds of chemo. I still had to lose my hair, my breasts, and a year or so of my life.
I suppose, now that it's all behind me, I have more room to feel grateful because perhaps I worry a little less about a reoccurrence. But, at the end of the day, cancer is still cancer (no matter what stage) and fear is still fear. So, regardless of the stage, I think we all wake up in the morning and do our best to get through each day with hope for a long and happy life ahead.
Although my tumour was small and hadn't yet spread to my lymph nodes, it was still an aggressive Grade 3, triple negative tumour. In some respects, it seems like I should have felt more grateful because the tumour was "only" Stage 1. But, I didn't feel grateful at all. I still had to go through three surgeries and four rounds of chemo. I still had to lose my hair, my breasts, and a year or so of my life.
I suppose, now that it's all behind me, I have more room to feel grateful because perhaps I worry a little less about a reoccurrence. But, at the end of the day, cancer is still cancer (no matter what stage) and fear is still fear. So, regardless of the stage, I think we all wake up in the morning and do our best to get through each day with hope for a long and happy life ahead.
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Stage I (Stage 1) Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer, Stage I (Stage 1) Breast Cancer Experiences
3
Answers |
1 year ago
Thank you so much for sharing. It IS a tricky monster and it forces you to consider big issues that you never would have thought you would have to consider. The issue I am now faced with is when to get my ovaries removed. At only 32, I still am hopeful I will meet someone, get married, and have my own children. But, with every year, I feel more pressure to make a decision. My second cousin had breast cancer at 28 and now has Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer at only 41.
Because of the mutation, when my cancer was diagnosed, everyone recommended a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Although it was tough to go through, it helped alleviate my fears of getting it on the other side, which I am sorry happened to you!
None of this is simple, but I credit this genetic research with saving my life. I am so happy to hear your older daughter is doing well and your younger one will get access to screening.
All the best to you and your family!
Because of the mutation, when my cancer was diagnosed, everyone recommended a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Although it was tough to go through, it helped alleviate my fears of getting it on the other side, which I am sorry happened to you!
None of this is simple, but I credit this genetic research with saving my life. I am so happy to hear your older daughter is doing well and your younger one will get access to screening.
All the best to you and your family!
afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) replied to answer by member1110 (Survivor (2 - 5 years))
5
Answers |
1 year ago
In the future, I would love to get more involved in educating young and underprivileged women who are either newly diagnosed with breast cancer or who have found out that they are high risk and have the BRCA gene mutation, but I'm not sure what that involvement might look like.
My initial goal right now is to finish writing my book (I am sweating through the third draft) and to start a Not For Profit to help cancer survivors volunteer oversees.
As part of this work, I would like the chance to volunteer again myself and work with women experiencing breast cancer in third world countries.
After I have these two ventures off the ground, I would love to have the opportunity to speak to groups of young women and educate them about screening and awareness. Particularly close to my heart would be to form some sort of support system for BRCA gene mutation carriers as I know how challenging it is to live with the risks and the fear of both breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have any ideas about how I can get more involved, please let me know. I would love to connect further!
My initial goal right now is to finish writing my book (I am sweating through the third draft) and to start a Not For Profit to help cancer survivors volunteer oversees.
As part of this work, I would like the chance to volunteer again myself and work with women experiencing breast cancer in third world countries.
After I have these two ventures off the ground, I would love to have the opportunity to speak to groups of young women and educate them about screening and awareness. Particularly close to my heart would be to form some sort of support system for BRCA gene mutation carriers as I know how challenging it is to live with the risks and the fear of both breast and ovarian cancer.
If you have any ideas about how I can get more involved, please let me know. I would love to connect further!
New answer by afreshchapter (Survivor (1 year)) in topic(s) Breast Cancer, Abroad, BRCA-1 / BRCA-2 Screen, Educating, Volunteer, Africa
1
Answer |
1 year ago
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