On April 2014, I had my annual mammogram and everything was normal. On June 23, 2014, I felt a pain under my right arm. I immediately scheduled a visit with my regular physician the next day.  I further scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN the following day. Both doctors said it was probably a swollen lymph node and put me on antibiotics and contact them if it didn’t feel better.

Well, I was not getting better and was referred to a surgeon on July 23, 2014, and on July 25, 2014, the lump was removed and diagnosed as stage two breast cancer. It felt like I’d just been punched in the stomach by a professional fighter.

Along with my husband and surgeon the decision was agreed upon to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. On August 13, 2014, I had the double mastectomy and initial reconstruction surgery. On September 26, 2014, I began five major chemotherapy treatments. With the lump being HER2 positive, the Oncologist ordered nine additional treatments of Herceptin.

I finished my reconstruction on September 2, 2015, and was finally able to return to work full-time in October 2015. I was very fortunate to have a job where I could work from home. I will not lie, that was a very tough and stressful year and continues to be an emotional journey.

I received a lot of help from a lot of people that have gone through breast cancer surgery and treatment and to them, I’m so very thankful. I want to pass on my experience so others having to deal with being diagnosed with breast cancer; know that with early detection there is a positive end to the terrible disease.

I have to thank my husband for his support. He has been my rock and continues to be my rock.  I thank my family and friends for all their support. I feel extremely blessed to have great group of surgeons, oncologist and occupational therapist. These professionals made my “new normal” journey a lot easier to deal with.

My advice to all women is to know your body, ensure you schedule your annual mammogram and most importantly, ensure you conduct breast self exams.

 

-Evelyn Weaver