Breast Cancer Survivors Share Their Stories, Part 2
Chances are that even if you don't hear the words, "You have breast cancer," a woman in your life will. With 1 in 8 women facing breast cancer, these are not just numbers, they are our friends, neighbors, mother and sisters. Following Part 1, we're honored to share two more incredible survivors’ stories. Leena and Dana each answered four questions and share details of what unfolded after they heard those 4 words below. Both stories show the power of a very brave woman with a community rallying around her with support.
Meet Leena and Dana…
Leena, Breast Cancer Survivor
How did you find out you had breast cancer?
“It was the best of the worst”.
Eight years ago, at the age of 39, I received the result of my breast biopsy which was positive for DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) or stage 0, meaning that there were cancer cells that were contained to the milk ducts, where all breast cancers begin. I was at this point because my provider, a forward thinking midwife name Patty, had recommended a baseline mammogram before my annual screenings began in my 40s. No lump. No discharge. No family history or genetic predisposition.
What happened next?
Figuring out my course of action moving forward was my priority and all I could think about was taking the necessary steps to ensure that I rid the cancer from my body in order to be here for my husband and three boys, who were 2, 5, and 7 at the time . The next month was filled with countless breast biopsies, MRIs, ultrasounds and consults with breast and plastic surgeons, giving me a great appreciation for the term “scan-xiety”. Ultimately, I made the decision to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction, starting with expanders followed by another surgery several months later to receive my silicone breast implants.
Post surgery, things took a slight turn from the original plan. My final pathology came back reporting my cancer was now Stage 1, invasive ductal carcinoma, hormone (-) and HER2+. I met with an oncologist who highly recommended chemotherapy as HER2 cancers are usually very aggressive and found at later stages. I started 12 weeks of chemo combined with a targeted therapy specifically for HER2+ cancers (Herceptin); then continued with Herceptin infusions for a full calendar year. (On a side note, I tried cold capping to decrease hair loss during treatment…think silicone helmets kept in dry ice that you put on your head for the duration of your treatment session so chemo doesn’t reach your hair follicles)…It worked and was worth the effort for me.
What were the best ways people supported you?
Friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers, stepped up in ways I didn’t realize I needed. Carpools, playdates, MealTrain, gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores with oven ready meals. I was gifted cold mits and booties which literally saved my fingers and toes from neuropathy that can occur from chemo and soft, warm blankets to keep me warm and comfortable. For each weekly infusion, I had chemo buddies alongside, which gave my husband and mom a break and gave me time to catch up with my besties.
What do you know now that you wish you knew?
Survivorship is forever. Although cancer is no longer front of mind for me, it will always be part of my story and one that guides how I live and show up in this world. This journey made it very apparent that our healthcare system is not set up to deliver care to women in the way that we deserve. Being in the medical field and a pelvic health physical therapist, I felt as if I had a leg up on my fellow pink sisters with understanding how to navigate surgery and treatment. Simple things like the pre and post-op therapy I did should be standard for all women navigating breast and gynecologic cancers…but they are not. I did not have to take hormone suppressing drugs post treatment, but for those that do, they need to be informed on how to navigate the physical changes in their bodies (e.g. pain with intimacy, bladder changes), and how to preserve bone, brain and cardiac health thru exercise and nutrition. I now try to share my story with young women to empower them at a young age to know their bodies and become their own advocate.
Each day I try to pay it forward, as I will never forget the love and support that I received on my cancer journey.
Dana, Breast Cancer Survivor
How did you find out you had breast cancer?
I was 40 years old in 2016 when I found a lump in my right breast in the shower. I was in the best shape of my life, running half-marathons and beating my times from my 20s! I hadn’t had my first mammogram yet, though I had been asking since 35 for a baseline because cancer was so prevalent in my family. But since it was on my father’s side, it wasn’t considered high risk.
What happened next?
Biopsies confirmed I had bilateral breast cancer. Genetic testing showed I carried the BRCA1 mutation. I learned BRCA1 doesn’t cause cancer, however the elevated risk of breast cancer (85% vs 13% for the general population) is because BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor, and if it is mutated it can’t repair cancer cells. My BRCA1 mutation came from my father’s side. The genetic counselor said the dialogue with PCPs considering only maternal-side cancers for risk was outdated. I do think more people are aware of genetic testing now.
What were the best ways people supported you?
My treatment was brutal - double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. My kids were only 3 and 7. My sister, Laura, set up a MealTrain. I live in San Diego, but my family is mostly in the Chicago suburbs. They supported me with meal deliveries, gift cards to restaurants and grocery stores, and financial support. Local friends signed up for meals and childcare. Knowing my kids had a schedule of who took them to/from school each day and watched them on my long treatment days was a huge peace of mind. My mom moved in with us to help take care of me during the worst parts, while my husband was working. I also loved getting cards in the mail - especially funny cards! I kept a CaringBridge where I shared everything I was going through, which was helpful for me and also created a place for people to get updates.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned when reaching out to someone in crisis over a text, don’t leave it open-ended where it could be too much for the person to respond. Instead of “How are you?” say “I’m thinking about you today” or “No need to respond, I know you’re in the thick of it, but I want you to know you’re so loved”. The other thing I learned was how important it is to advocate for yourself and be a partner in your healthcare.
What do you know now that you wish you knew?
There are so many resources for cancer survivors. I did LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free 12-week program for cancer patients/survivors. Camp Kesem is a nationwide organization that provides free 1-week camp to kids whose parents have had cancer. Even now as a survivor, I take weekly free yoga classes with a local non-profit called Be Well Yoga. I’ve also made a lot of friends, my “Breasties”, in a local support group for women diagnosed under 40. It helps to have people who get what you’ve gone through!
For more on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit Susan G. Komen.
The stories of Leena and Dana are unique to them and are not intended to share any medical advice. Should you have any questions or concerns, consult your doctor.
