33 years old.

Today is my 33rd birthday.  When my stage IV diagnosis came in the summer of 2017, I craved awaking on this day and celebrating.  I craved normalcy.  I was comforted by God.  I still hold to His truths and that His will for my life is divine.  I may not know what my future holds, but no one does.   This verse gets me through my days, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.  Hold true to what your future may hold.  Hold true to your eternal life.

I get asked lots of questions about my health and how this all began.  So, in honor of my 33 years of blessed life on this Earth,  I am going to share 33 bits of information about my breast cancer journey!

1. My original diagnosis came in summer of 2011 at the age of 26 years old.
2. I found the lumps myself.
3. I have no immediate family history of breast cancer.  I believe only 15% of cases do have an immediate family history.
4. I do not have the BRCA gene mutations.
5. My initial masses were removed and believed to be fibroadenomas.
6. My surgeon cried as she gave me the results of the pathology.  My first words were, “But I want to be a Mother.”  Faith over fear became my motto.
7. I was diagnosed Stage I with extensive DCIS (cancer in the ducts) as well.  Estrogen and Progesterone fed the cancer, Her2 negative.
8. A double mastectomy was completed on August 24, 2011.  #drainssuck
9. 94% chance of no distant reoccurrence over 10 years with Tamoxifen was the statistics for the genetic analysis of the cancer.
10. It was deemed traditional chemotherapy would not increase my chance of survival anymore than taking Tamoxifen would.
11. I had breast reconstruction.  This was a long process.
12. Encouraging others to do their self-exams and get their mammograms became my passion.  With help, I coordinated a breast cancer support group for our area.  Helping others was the silver lining to having cancer.
13. In 2013, I had a full-body scan and it was clear.
14. In 2014, with permission, medical analysis, stopping my Tamoxifen, and prayer, I became pregnant!
15. A 7lb. 6oz. baby joined us in late 2014–my dreams fulfilled.
16. I started the Tamoxifen again after having the baby.  Cancer was behind me, or so, I thought.
17. In 2016, I had vague pains on and off near a rib.  It came and went and didn’t cause me great distress.  The doctor’s thought it may have been my gallbladder or the fact that I had increased the intensity of my exercise.
18. A breast MRI was ordered and denied 3 times by insurance.  The odd sensations and pain stopped, so I did not pursue it anymore (could have been unrelated).
19. In spring 2017, my right hip began aching.  Then the left started as well.  Both aches came and went.  I made an appointment with my oncologist.  I justified the discomfort because of increased running and it came and went as well.
20. I started physical therapy for my hip pain.  It got better!!!!  This eased my mind it could be cancer related.  No physician saw the need for a bone scan.
21. Early summer 2017, back pain began. It came and went as well.  It seemed I injured myself.
22. Bloodwork revealed my liver enzymes are elevated.
23. An ultrasound of my liver and gallbladder were ordered.  Then a CT scan.  All in the same week.
24. My dear doctor called me on Thursday, June 8th and told me it appeared I had extensive bone metastases and liver lesions.   I’ll always remember the smile on the face of my sweet girl as she went to her grandparents so my husband and I could process the news.  She had on a princess dress.
25. I was hospitalized for 8 days for high calcium and pleural effusion.   A liver biopsy occurred, which I woke up during!
26. I chose to be treated at Tennessee Oncology with a young, female doctor that is the top of her field with metastatic breast cancer.
27. Metastatic breast cancer is manageable, but not curable.  I do believe the Great Physician is holding me in His hands.
28. Oral chemotherapy began in July.  I will take this or some form of chemo the rest of my life.  I also take monthly bone infusions to strengthen them.
29. Radiation occurred to multiple locations in my body.
30. I have scans every three months or more to ensure the medicine is working.  At this time, the disease is stable.
31. My ovaries were removed, as the cancer was once again estrogen fed.
32. Overall, I feel very well, but do have extreme fatigue at times.
33. I am alive!!!  I am strong!!!  The normalcy I craved is back for the most part.  I am happy, it is well with my soul.

Celebrate your birthday every year!!!  Do something you want to do.  Growing old is a privilege, don’t take that for granted.   I never would have believed my future would hold cancer again as the 26 year old that was originally diagnosed, especially a stage IV diagnosis.  But, it does and I intend to make the most of it. Remember, Jeremiah 29:11.   Love to you all.