My Breast Cancer Journey Begins
During the bustling days at the Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas, amidst the creativity and camaraderie, I discovered a lump in my breast. This unexpected moment marked the beginning of a challenging journey into the world of breast cancer treatment and decisions. I am sharing this not just to document my experience but to offer insights and encouragement to others who might be facing similar battles.
The Unexpected Discovery
My breast tissue is particularly dense, which complicates the detection of lumps during self-examinations. Regular (annual) mammograms have been part of my routine, although I’ve typically skipped the more expensive sonograms for the standard mammogram. It was not until I noticed a noticeable pinch upward in my left nipple—a symptom I later learned could indicate a tumor—that I realized something was amiss. While still in Texas, I scheduled diagnostic appointments with my primary doctor and imaging center for when I returned home to Kansas City.
Biopsy and Initial Diagnosis
The diagnosis process was grueling. After undergoing a mammogram, sonogram, and biopsy—all in one day—I faced an anxious four-day wait for the results. I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer, which is estrogen and progesterone positive and HER2-negative. This was confirmed through my online chart even before my doctor could reach out to me. This immediately lead to a flurry of Google searches and immense uncertainty. When we finally spoke, my doctor provided the necessary referrals and we began discussing the next steps. We did not know the stage because there were concerns with the lymph nodes as well.
Lymph Node Concerns
Initial scans and biopsies did not conclusively address the lymph nodes. Suspicions led to a targeted biopsy of the lymph nodes, which unfortunately confirmed the cancer’s spread. Subsequent scans were aimed at assessing the extent of the spread. This revealed a large enough tumor in my left breast that classified my condition as stage three breast cancer.
Choosing My Care Team and Treatment Path
Faced with a challenging decision, I consulted with a team of specialists at the University of Kansas. The size and spread of the tumor ruled out less invasive options. This lead to several potential treatment paths including various mastectomy and reconstruction options. After thorough discussions with my surgeon, plastic surgeon, and oncologist, we opted for a double mastectomy with lymph node harvesting and reconstruction using what is called the DIEP Flap Procedure.
Reflecting Forward
Choosing my treatment was not easy. Every step of this journey has been fraught with complexities and deep personal reflection. My hope in sharing this story is not only to keep you informed but also to help demystify the process for others who might be navigating their own path through breast cancer. As I continue to share my experiences in future posts, remember that while our journeys may differ, we are not alone in our fight.
Share Your Thoughts
Please stay tuned for more updates as I document this journey. Feel free to share your own stories or words of encouragement. Together, we can support each other through these challenging times.
You are not alone in this journey. I was lucky. Mine was caught early and a lumpectomy and radiation was it. I have friends who have taken your journey and they are thriving. It will be 11 years this summer and I still get emotional about it. No one understands the emotional tole it takes unless you have been there. Your choices are yours and no one has the right to criticize them. Stay strong and keep fighting!
Thank you for sharing your story. It’s important to me that you did. As women, we have to always be vigilant.
People are always going through much more than we know.
I think of you often and include you and your family in my prayers. Continued strength and healing!
Oh honey I am sorry you are dealing with this. Everytime we hear the word cancer panic follows. I have not had to deal with it myself, but my Mom and sister have. You are so brave to share all this with all of us. Sending you prayers for strength and healing.
Nicole, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I had what was thought to be something and underwent biopsy. Emotional rollercoaster ride. Please keep your spirits up knowing that support is there.
Hello, I will be praying for you and your family. you can best cancer and you will. my mother was diagnosed with it 10 plus years ago and she had many body parts removed. it was a tough time. but she is still hear being her wonderful goofy self. the mother that I love. we love your creativity and your mind. keep your head to God and the spirit will guide you through this. 🙏🏽 for you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I am sorry to hear you have joined the club no one wants to be in. I was diagnosed at age 44 after finding a lump in my R breast while in the shower on vacation. My previous mammogram 14 months earlier was normal. I had a 1.8 cm very suspicious mass. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy by the end of the week. Fortunately the node came back clear. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma, Estrogen negative, Progestin positive, HER2 negative. However, because of my age and the grade (9 of 9 on the Nottingham Scale) and rapid growth of the tumor I was advised to undergo chemotherapy. I underwent 8 rounds of chemo, over a 6 month period of time. During the chemo I decided that for my mental health (I am a worrier and they were not doing BRCA testing at the time) I would go through a bilateral mastectomy when my physicians felt I was recovered enough. I had that 2 months after completion of the chemotherapy. In addition I had a benign tumor in my uterus, so I underwent a total hysterectomy/oophorectomy at the same time. I am happy to say that all happened 22 years ago this coming August. It was a tough 10 months, but I got through it with the support of family, friends, and my faith. I will be keeping you in my prayers as you go through this journey.
Thank you for sharing your story and my prayers are with you. I went through exactly the same stage 3 cancer in my right breast 23 years ago. I was scared but trusted in the Lord to bring me through and here I am. However, there are also many alternative treatments today than back then and Fenbendazole is one of them. It can be taken alongside your standard treatment with no side effects and is having remarkable success in curing stage 3 and 4 cancers. Most patients opt to do both Fenbendazole and their standard chemo treatment. The website is http://www.mycancerstory.rocks, the story of Joe Tippens who, while on a clinical trial for lung cancer that might only prolong his life a few months, discovered Fenbendazole, took it and was the only person out of 1100 patients in the trial who survived. The website leads you to a moderated facebook page of patients, most of whom are cured from stage iv terminal cancers. It is well worth taking a look.
I’m sorry that you have this challenge. Please accept my prayers for you and your family. When one of us in the quilting family has personal struggles, we all are in this together giving each other strength and support. I’m glad you have a good healthcare team close for advice with rapid diagnosis and treatment. I wish you only success as you go through all the treatments. We as a quilt family are all in for you and your family. May God Bless!
My heart and prayers reach out to you-a cancer diagnosis is difficult at best. While I don’t have breast cancer, my cancer journey has taught e so many things. Rest easy and bask in the prayers being sent.
Nicole, you are in my thoughts and prayers.it is very brave and admirable of you to share your story. Last September, I was also diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis is very difficult and such an emotional rollercoaster with appts, scans, and tons of information to deal with, along with all the treatments and surgery. I hope you have an amazing medical team and much support at your fingertips. Try to stay positive and busy, do the things you love, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Quilting and cross stitching have been a godsend for me since I was diagnosed. May your treatments be easy and your recoveries be speedy. Take care. 💖
Hi Nicole
I’m so sorry that you have had to go through this. It is a sisterhood none of us ask to be a part of. But we are her for you and hopefully all that have to go through this.
Five years ago I found a lump while doing a check. Like you said a whirlwind of biopsies and information soon found that it was indeed cancer.
I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in a lump in my right breast.
That was five years ago and after all the chemo and surgeries (and still prayer) I’m doing well.
Besides my family, my quilting and sewing and just being creative have helped with all the healing process.
Take care and I love that you have started a conversation for positive and uplifting words that we as sisters can use to help one another. 💖
You have a whole hockey sock full of prayers being sent to heaven for you. Mine included. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this but remember our Lord is merciful and He will be with you every step of the way. Sending hugs and prayers to you.
Thank you for sharing. You are helping others by doing so.
Nicole: Thank you for sharing this difficult journey…..doing this is a milestone for you….I thank our Father you are involved in the quilting/sewing industry, as this group is a firm supporter of their Leaders and entrepreneurs – which you are one of them. Continue to thank God for your progress, and the sewing/quilting industry will be there to support you….. Love you sunshine!
All I can offer from afar is that you are strong, you are loved, you are worthy and many, many hugs, prayers and best wishes are being sent to you through the universe. May they land softly and give you strength and lift up your spirits as you travel this new road.
It has been six years since I was diagnosed with Triple Negative breast cancer. After a bilateral mastectomy I chose to change my diet, use medical cannabis, an infrared sauna, alkaline water, and exercise. Do your research and choose your own path. You are in my thought and prayers.
Thank you for sharing your journey. As a fellow breast cancer survivor, I commend you for your openness which only serves to increase awareness. Selfishly I am particularly interested in hearing about your reconstruction – I opted to remain flat but it’s great that there are so many options these days!
PTL (Praise the Lord) you are doing well. Prayers for you and your family.
Prayers for you and your family as you go through this difficult time. Stay strong.
Oh my dear, I am so sorry you are going through this experience but like my quilting sisters have said previously, we are here for you to offer prayer, words of comfort and moral support. While I have never had breast cancer, I did have ovarian/uterine cancer and a complete hysterectomy in 1982 at the age of 28. In 2014 during a routine physical a suspicious spot, 1.3 cm, showed up in my right lung that turned out to be cancer. I had a lobectomy in August of that year. I now have a 40 % diminished lung capacity due to the loss of the upper lobe of my right lung and COPD.
Cancer is a frightening word to everyone but with early diagnosis and treatment is key. A good, positive attitude and prayer were key for me and my recovery. From what I read in previous comments you have the prayers of your quilting sisters and their support. Please let me add mine to theirs. Know that you are loved by our powerful and compassionate Father in Heaven as well as all of us. I am praying for you for continued healing and your family to be anchor of hope for you. May our loving God give you peace in this time of trial.
I am so sorry you are going though this. I am a 14 year survivor of triple negative ductile carcinoma. I was lucky to catch it early at stage 1. I had a lumectomy, chemo therapy and radiation. yes, the treatments can be difficult but you are not alone. you can do this!
Nicole… I am so sorry you have to go through all this. My prayer is for you that God would completely heal your body and give you strength and a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Sorry to hear your news, but happy you took control. You will make it. I made the same decision 27 years ago. There have been so many advances since my diagnosis in 1996. Keep as active as you can, stay positive and you will look back on this as a bad bump on your journey of life. May God be with you.
Thank you for sharing. It is a difficult journey and I am sorry that there were some unking comments in the beginning – as if it isn’t hard enough already. Every time someone shares, we learn. That is a good thing for each one of us. Best of luck as you continue your path to healing. We are here for you!
Thank you for sharing your personal story. By doing so, you will encourage others to never miss a checkup. Advancements in care are amazing! My mother called her experience “a bump in the road.” May your journey to complete recovery be as smooth and as quick as possible.
Nichole I am so sorry for your diagnosis. My sister underwent the same treatment as you when she was 46. Unfortunately, hers was triple negative (no targeted chemotherapy available). Fortunately, at age 58, she is still with us and cancer free. Your ER+/PR+ offers you targeted chemotherapy for increased success in treatment. You are not alone in this journey and thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are behind you, praying for you and rooting for you!
I am so very sorry to hear this, Nicole. My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 75. She had a lot of people praying for her. It’s quite a story, but in a nutshell, her recovery was nothing short of miraculous. She had zero pain following her mastectomy and needed no pain meds. She had regular check-ups with her oncologist and he always referred to her as his “miracle girl”. She never had a recurrence and lived to be 91. I pray that you, too, will bounce right back and will have no complications moving forward. May God be with you and bring you through victoriously! My prayers are with you.
Thank you SO much for sharing your story. One small part of it could resonate with someone who’s reading and be the exact thing they need in that moment. I appreciate your vulnerability and pray for your healing ❤️🩹.
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry you had an unsympathetic reaction from a friend. We need to support each other. I wish you well in your continuing recovery. My boobs get squished on Monday.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Prayers for successful treatment.
Nicole, thank you for sharing such personal, challenging and upsetting news and thinking of us as you go through this difficult journey. I will keep you in my thoughts, and I wish only full support and kindness for you, as you make your progress through your treatment.
Like Peggy said, you are not alone in this battle. A lumpectomy and radiation took care of mine as well. But, I still have yearly mammograms and breast exams. Stay positive and continue doing the things you like. God bless us all.
Wishing you the very best in the coming months of your treatment. No doubt, you will recover and live a long and fulfilling life.
Thanks for sharing. This just shows that this could happen to anyone. We must all be vigilant and be supportive of our sisters. You are not alone. <3
My best friend from college died from ovarian cancer — 5 years after clearing a breast cancer diagnosis. It was a difficult journey for all of us. It is a journey best taken with supporting friends and family. All of our lives were changed. I can’t imagine there is anyone out there who have not been touched by cancer. You are in the prayers of RWYS quilters in Phoenix Arizona.
I was diagnosed in December with stage 2a invasive ductal carcinoma. I have been through the lumpectomy, the lymph node biopsy and a re-excision. I know that I will be having radiation, but I have not heard yet, whether I will be doing chemo (though my surgeon suspects the answer will be yes). The hardest part is waiting for the information to move onto the next step.
You are not alone. Good luck with the process and we are all pulling for you.
Julie, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Waiting is not easy – that is for SURE!
Hi Nicole, glad your surgery went well. My Esophageal tumor wasn’t completely killed off so surgery is going to happen in a week. So unfortunately I’ll have to skip the pillow cover swap as I will be down for a few weeks.
Hope you heal quickly from your treatments.
Regards
Kaarin H
You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a quick and complete recovery!
Wishing you the best. I know that breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis. My mother had breast cancer and I have had a lump removed from one of my breasts. Luckly mine was lump was benign. Keep a positive outlook and lean on your family, friends, and God. They will help you through this.
Here’s sending lots of good thoughts for a smooth treatment and healing process. I had breast cancer in 2009, a very rare form only treatable by surgery. While I remain cancer-free to-date, my cancer has the likelihood of recurrence. So far, so good, but something I follow and worry about. I hope all the best for you.
You have joined the club no one wants to be a member of, I’m very sorry about your diagnosis. I had a similar journey a few years ago and have recovered and now an inactive member of that club. Be strong, ask questions and hold close to the folks that support you best. Negative nellies are unwanted but they always pop up.
My prayers are for a quick efficient recovery.
I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this. I’m happy you’re sharing your story with everyone. It might encourage someone else to go for their mammogram or see their doctor. I had an area removed in my breast about 20 years ago. It was a precancerous spot, they found it after my mammogram. I now tell everyone get your mammogram! I’ll pray for for good news. Hugs,
I was extremely short of breath and constantly tired due to my Emphysema. I was advised to take Montair plus one tablet every night which would give me temporary relief and help my sleep. But I did not want her to depend on tablet fully which only offers relief not cure. I slowly started Ayurveda, and was introduced to Natural Herbs Centre, my symptoms gradually diminished including my shortness of breath, wheezing and fatigue. Reach them at natural herbs centre. com. I know I’ll get negative comments but I’m sharing this perhaps someone is also looking at genuine alternative treatment. I can vouch for this Ayurvedic treatments but you still need to decide what works best for you. Sending prayers
Nicole, I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this new reality in your life. 😔 My 1st cousin went through an almost identical process about 8(?) years ago. She’s doing great now – praise God! I will be praying for you throughout your journey, for strength and healing.
When you share your story, you have more people praying for you and sending you good vibes. I will pray for your strength in this journey.
I’m a 12 year survivor. mine was found extremely early and because it was early, I had a lot of trouble finding a surgeon that would do a double mastectomy. breast cancer runs in my family, pretty bad, and I didn’t want to worry. I’m a worrier. I was going to have to have mri’s every 6 months for the rest of my life a d the thought of that worry was more than I wanted to deal with. I did find a surgeon, got the double mastectomy and reconstruction. then 5 yrs later had the implants removed. I didn’t like how they looked or felt. everyone is different, has a different journey and knows what’s best for them. follow your gut, don’t let anyone talk you into anything you don’t want to do. and lastly, research, research, research!!! Drs don’t know everything!
You are right on – my oncologist strong armed me into taking and continuing to take aramotase despite my immediate challenging side effects – he told me I would die if I did not continue the medication and I was so intimidated – what a bully! His pressure was relentless to take this drug but I was in a mental weakened state and overwhelmed. Aramotase does work for most patients but for me and others, it can cause cardiovascular disease – i.e., heart attacks and strokes. I had a heart attack and now have a more caring oncologist. Do not allow yourself to be bullied by a doctor.
Thank you for sharing and encouraging others to do the same. A lump appeared in my right breast on the mammogram I had in January. It was a whirlwind of appointments and I am so grateful that I have an amazing doctor. She referred my chart to a surgeon and oncologist before I even had the results of a needle biopsy. They worked together and were all extremely thorough and open about all my options. We had caught it early and an MRI confirmed that it was confined to the right side. It didn’t take much thought to figure out the only course of action was a mastectomy. The only decision that was questionable was single or double. I opted for the single with the understanding that I had no intention of have reconstructive surgery. At my age, I didn’t feel that I needed to worry about having a perfect body. My husband had been supportive and agrees that additional surgery isn’t the answer.
I have had an amazing support group, even though small as I didn’t share with many before hand or since, it has never failed to offer prayers and support for everything I need. I don’t enjoy talking about the surgery and posting here is only for my ability to offer others support and prayers. I have to say that the surgery was not nearly as painful as I expected. Whether it’s the norm or just because I had a great surgeon, it has been a blessing. Also the oncologist is talking about the possibility of only requiring a pill for 5 years to help prevent or reduce the risk of more cancer. As unnerving as this has been, I still feel extremely blessed and pray that others may find their lives blessed by quick discovery and positive results
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
God Bless
My prayers are with you and your family as you travel this difficult journey. Know that you have many supporters who will continue to pray for you from this point forward. I applaud your decision to share with your quilting family as many have traveled the same road and can offer advice and support and others may be following behind you and can benefit from your sharing of your journey. Hopefully your medical team will guide you and provide excellent care, and as someone else mentioned – do your research. You are in good hands here on earth and in the best hands in heaven. God bless you!
Nicole, not having had any cancer, but have seen family and my [late bestest friend ever] go through this disgusting “C” thing. my heart goes out to you and also your family. Prayers winging there was from Australia. Remembering those who comment wish you the best possible outcome. Your family will be suffering emotionally as much as you are.
Hugs and good thoughts coming you way.
Elissa xxxx
Forgot to mention ignore the friend? negative Nelly as I don’t believe see is a true friend maybe a fiend.
You are in God’s hands now.
Elissa xxxooo
During the Covid period, I had a vivid dream that I had breast cancer. When I mentioned my dream to my primary during telemedicine, she urged me to get a mammogram since I was three months overdue for my annual. I was not surprised to be diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, had the lump removed with radiation therapy. I was prescribed aromatase medication and I struggled with its side effects – extreme nausea resulting in hospitalization, dizziness (fell and had a concussion) and my blood pressure and bad cholesterol increased. I stopped the medication even though my oncologist said I would die if I did not continue. I fired my oncologist and found another who also helped treat my mental health trauma. A few months later, I felt a very small pain in the middle of my chest (heartburn I thought) and again my intuition kicked in, I called 911 and yes, I had a heart attack and had a stent, no heart damage due to early intervention. The primary reason I am writing this is that as women, we have strong intuitions, and we should of course follow medical advice but also listen to that inner voice. Bless you for sharing your journey, it is scary, at times overwhelming, and sewing and quilting have been the activities I most enjoy at this point in my life (71 years young). Thank you for all you do.
Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I just said a little prayer for you. Stay strong and kick this thing in the butt!
Nicole, thank you for sharing your heartfelt journey with the bad “C”. My girlfriends oldest daughter was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer last year and has had chemo, radiation, removal of breast and some lymphnodes. She is in her 30’s with 3 young children and like you only happened to find a lump in her breast and the rollercoaster ride began. This year she is having the other breast removed and implants from her stomach. This is the scariest journey any woman should not have to face alone. It affects not only the woman but her partner, family, friends and work colleagues. We have cried, laughed and hugged each other to let her know we love her and wish we could take the pain away. As one lady said, woman have a great intuition with their body and they know when something isn’t right. Thank you so much for sharing your story and I will say a prayer for you and you family. All women around the world are stronger than they think………
Nicole,
As an 8 year Thriver, I know you will beat the dreaded Cancer monster. Allow your family to help take care of you. Allow yourself the time to process all your emotions. During my diagnosis and treatment, my husband was angry and I chose to let him own the anger emotions which allowed me to focus my energies on fighting and beating the cancer. Eight years later, I am stronger and healthier than I ever thought possible. You got this and your quilt community has your back and support you. You got this!