After my mammogram in November, I was called back for additional imaging. At first, I wasn't overly concerned because I had been told that I had dense breasts. Then, while attending a Kiwanis fundraising event, I received a call from my OB/GYN's office. They told me that my doctor would be calling me shortly and that I needed to take the call.

I went home. My husband and I sat by the phone and waited.

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Then the call came. I had breast cancer.
 

I was diagnosed with triple negative, Stage 2A breast cancer in my right breast. The tumor was close to my chest wall.

I named my right breast Mort. My treatment included two lumpectomies, four chemotherapy treatments with Taxol and 32 radiation treatments. Even while going through treatment, I continued running my tax business. It was tax season, and I was determined to keep going.

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And Then Came Marty

I thought that chapter of my life was behind me.

But in October 2016, I went for my annual mammogram, and cancer was discovered in my left breast.

For the second time, I heard the words no one ever wants to hear.

I had breast cancer again.

This time, I was diagnosed with triple negative, Stage 1A breast cancer. 

 

I named my left breast Marty.

Once again, I faced treatment. I underwent another lumpectomy, four chemotherapy treatments with the “Red Devil” and 31 radiation treatments. After my second diagnosis, I underwent genetic testing. The results revealed an increased hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer. This was especially significant to me because my mother had battled Stage 3 ovarian cancer.

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While recovering from my breast surgery, I made the decision to have my ovaries removed.

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Finding Myself Again

Cancer affected more than my body. It changed my life.

I had to learn how to slow down and reconnect with myself.

Sometimes I would go outside barefoot and stand in my backyard. I would look up at the sky and simply ground myself.

I found peace in painting. I found peace in gardening.

Those things became part of my healing and helped me find my way forward.

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Why I Tell My Story

Today, I share my story because I want other women to understand the importance of taking care of themselves.

Get your mammograms.

Know your body and pay attention when something doesn't feel right.

If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, talk with your healthcare provider about whether genetic testing may be appropriate for you.

We spend so much of our lives taking care of our children, our families, our businesses and everyone around us. But we cannot forget to take care of ourselves.

I faced breast cancer in my right breast, Mort, and then breast cancer in my left breast, Marty.

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Today, I am here.

I am grateful.

I am a survivor.

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And if sharing my journey encourages even one woman to schedule her mammogram, pay attention to her body or take her health more seriously, then telling my story is worth it.

Early detection saved my life.

 

I'm offering free tax preparation for anyone in active treatment for breast cancer (radiation or chemo) through my business. My business is called Phoenix Tax. I named it after surviving breast cancer twice in the same year and rose from the ashes.

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