Strange to think my tumor was removed during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As tough as it to look back on this month 4 years ago, what a joyous month it has become! I am privileged to hear the stories of the warriors who have fought (and are fighting) against this dreadful disease. Even though October is coming to an end, our fight continues! Please keep posting your stories and words of encouragement for others on my FB Page (Nancy Hornback QVC). It could save a life!
As you read Stacey’s journey, please notice the theme that runs through each of the Survivor Stories: EARLY DETECTION!!!! Please check your breasts, have your yearly GYN appointments and get your Mammograms! We need you in this world!
A little bit about how I “met” Stacy: I actually haven’t met her in person…yet. Stacy’s husband, who works for QVC & knew my story, shared with me that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Although he was concerned and worried, he was ALL in and was prepared to do whatever it took to help her through this journey. Stacy’s story is more than just breast cancer, it’s a Love Story.
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This is me during chemo. I had this wig fitted before losing my hair, so it is close to what I looked like prior to chemo.
N: How long have you been cancer-free?
S: I have been cancer free since May 31, 2013 after a double mastectomy.
N: What type of breast cancer and what stage?
S: Stage 2B breast cancer.
N: Do you have a family history of breast cancer?
S: No one in my family has ever had breast cancer. I’m currently waiting for genetic testing.
N: How old were you when you were diagnosed?
S: I was 41 when I was diagnosed.
N: How was your cancer detected?
S: I was reaching to place a Christmas decoration up and felt a sharp pain in my right breast. When I put my hand over it, I felt the mass for the first time over my sweatshirt. I had just had my annual OBGYN appointment 5 days prior, and it wasn’t detected. I went in for a mammogram. They saw something and immediately sent me in for a biopsy. It was then they told me I had breast cancer.
N: What is your program?
S: I started an 18 week chemotherapy treatment 3 weeks after diagnosis. I then opted for a double mastectomy, even though the cancer was only in one breast. On May 31st I had both breasts removed & began the process of reconstructive surgery. I have done 5 weeks of fills and started Radiation on August 29th, not to get rid of any cancer, but rather to make sure the cells never grow again. I will have my final reconstructive surgery in November of 2013.
N: Did you seek a second opinion?
S: No. When I found out, I asked to have both breasts removed immediately. That’s when I found out that I had 2 large masses in my right breast. I was told the tumors were about 6.5 inches and it was 1 whole mass. The chemo was designed to shrink the tumor. They were concerned due to the tumor being very close to the chest wall. Personally, when I found out, all I wanted was for it to be gone. Delaying any treatments to get a second opinion just wasn't something we wanted to take a chance with. We knew I had it; we knew we wanted to fight; and my husband and I felt very confident with the doctors’ decisions. I just wanted to get rid of the cancer. There were several doctors that reviewed my case. It was then that they all decided what my plan would be. Seeing my pathology results and being told I’m cancer free, made it all worthwhile.
N: Are you on meds?
S: Yes, I am on 2 meds daily and still receive a drug through an IV once every 3 weeks until January 2014.
N: What surgeries do you have left?
S: The removal of the expanders under my chest muscles, this is when I’ll get the permanent implants. They will last 10 years, and then I will have to have them removed and new ones put back in.
N: What was it like losing your hair?
S: At the time it was devastating. I was so concerned. When I was told I would lose it, I went out and bought a wig that looked just like my hair. I actually cut my own hair every 3 days, shorter and shorter, until I realized I was about to lose it all. I cried by myself and watched myself cry in the mirror. I went into the bathroom and just started to buzz it all off, then I shaved my head. My husband and I took pictures of him holding an egg next to my head. It was hard, I won’t lie; but I got over it. When I went to the chemo center and the doctor told me, after my second session of chemo, my tumor shrunk 3 inches, suddenly my hair was the last thing I was thinking about. Women see their hair as being a part of what defines them. But when you really look at the whole picture, your hair isn't anything special.
N: Did you wear a wig the whole time?
S: Actually, I bought a couple of wigs. I had a short haired wig that I would wear under a baseball cap if I went out in public. They just became more of a nuisance, so I started to wear my little knitted hats when I went out.
N: What's getting you thru this journey?
S: I have a great family and love them all. It has brought us all closer going through this. BUT...I fought for 3 reasons: 1- I wanted 40 more years with my husband. I was not going to leave him! 2- My son is 24 and single. I haven't met my daughter-in-law. and 3- He hasn't had children and I want to hold my grandchildren! These are 3 simple reasons, yet for me are the most powerful reasons to fight!
N: What did you need most from friends / family?
S: Support. I had them all making meals, calling and asking how I was that day. They sent cards and flowers, did some shopping for us and stopped by for tea. My husband was by my side every moment. What was great were the people that stopped to ask him how HE was. People don't realize how much of a toll it takes, not just on the patient, but the spouse as well.
N: How are you doing?
S: Today I have 20 of my 30 radiation treatments under my belt. I have had expanders in since May 31st, which are painful. My scar tissue has hardened and the expanders are on my ribs and muscles. I’m uncomfortable all the time, but I am on my way to another 40 years with my husband, I will be given the opportunity to meet my daughter-in-law, and will now be able to hold my first grandchild. So, I would say I’m great!
N: How has having breast cancer changed you?
S: Wow, I don't even know where to begin. I have realized what is really important in life. The big house, expensive car, perfect hair, body, nails and clothes are all so superficial. My family and loved ones are what’s important to me. Health and happiness and our children’s happiness and health are what’s important. I am a stronger person and am more focused on what I want in life. I used to clean 2 times a day, make dinners, go shopping…now, none of that really matters. I still do some of these things, but would rather take a long ride with my husband and spend some quality time with him. We have always wanted to move and travel, but have put it off. Now we are working towards our dreams. Life is short and you never know. Don't put off the things you want, go after them, dream them and live them.
N: Do you have any advice or encouragement for someone newly diagnosed?
S: Life is always worth fighting for. There are always reasons to fight, it is beyond overwhelming, but I was told by my Nurse Navigator, “You give us one full year of your life and we will give you 40 in return”. With the technology and medicine that is out there for us today, why wouldn't you want to fight? Stay positive. This may sound inappropriate, but have fun with it all. For example, some people keep a diary. I took pictures of myself every day. I would look back at the pictures at the end of the week and realized I was smiling and laughing in 95% of them. I made funny faces, & matched my outfits to my little hats. Sure there are days you are down, but I always told myself, “Ok, today is bad, but tomorrow will be better and the next day better than tomorrow.” My advice, talk to your doctors, stay positive, make a diary, stay focused and have something small planned for the days you know you will be feeling better. To have something small to look forward to gives you hope.
N: Is there anything else you want to add?
S: Dealing with cancer isn't a death sentence. It IS something you can beat as long as you stay on top of your health. If you are diagnosed, think about all the things you will miss if you’re not around. You will start to see you want to fight it. Everyone has something worth living for, stay focused, embrace life!