Alison’s Story: Triple Positive Breast Cancer

I was diagnosed in April of 2020. Almost exactly one month into the COVID lock down. I happened to feel the lump in my right breast while I was showering, and I knew immediately in my gut it was bad news. But I was lucky. It was stage 1, triple positive, meaning it would be fairly simple to treat. After all the initial scans they had found a concerning bit in my other breast, so they had to do an MRI biopsy. It was probably the most traumatic medical procedure I'd had in my life so far. So a couple weeks later when I had to make a decision about surgery, I knew I didn't want to go through that again. I could have done any option: lumpectomy, unilateral or bilateral mastectomy - straight to flat, or reconstruction, etc. I wanted the simplest surgery with the lowest chance of later recurrence or even chance of more "concerning bits," so bilateral mastectomy was my choice. I wanted one surgery and done, so reconstruction was off the table. 

I didn't know what "aesthetic flat closure" was - my breast cancer surgeon said she could do a flat closure and I took her at her word. I didn't know I should have asked for a plastic surgeon to do the closure. They got the cancer out and I went on to do fertility treatments to freeze my eggs then 4.5 months of chemo, 12 months of immunotherapy and I'm now in year 4 of hormone therapy. But I wasn't happy with the results on my chest. There was loose skin that you could see under most shirts. And I had vowed I'd never have to wear a bra again. So in 2021 I got a revision surgery by a plastic surgeon. While the experience was horrific, I'm much more pleased with the results. I just wish I had known what to ask for initially. I might have avoided having to have a second horrible surgery. That's why I am a part of this project. I'm so grateful to have a living, functioning body, and I want others to know you are never too young, you are never too fit - do self exams often, and if it comes to it, advocate aggressively for exactly what you want. 

It's been great to be with other people who have been through similar experiences. Looking at the photos feels like a celebration of my scars and my body as it ages with grace and collects these hardships with determination and resilience. And that's a really amazing gift, especially on the days when it's still really hard remembering what I've lost.

Alison

Previous
Previous

Judy’s Journey with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma