Story
On 1/30/25, 2 days before my 38th birthday, I found out I have breast cancer. The first step in my treatment will be a mastectomy. The details about how everything unfolded: -On 1/23/25, I noticed a breast lump. I messaged my PCP who immediately ordered imaging for me. -On 1/28/25, I had a mammogram and ultrasound. The radiologist came in and told me there were 3 masses on imaging and that the findings were very concerning for malignancy (cancer). -On 1/29/25, I had 2 biopsies, both of which confirmed ER-/PR- ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS). -On 1/31/25, I had an MRI to further assess. Results showed another spot concerning for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) in addition to the DCIS. -On 2/4/25, I met with the Nurse Coordinator at Mayo Mankato Breast Clinic; based on MRI findings, they recommended further biopsies to try to retrieve a tissue sample from the concerning area on MRI. -On 2/6/25, I had appointments with Mankato Clinic oncology and general surgery. They also recommended further biopsies before determining a treatment plan. -On 2/7/25, I had an appointment with Mayo Genetics. I decided to get genetic testing done. The results came back 2 weeks later and showed a “variant of unknown significance” in my BRIP1 gene; a “positive” variant in this gene is linked to early onset breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer. After talking to the genetic counselor, my understanding is that my specific gene mutation is not yet known to change how the gene is expressed, so therefore is less likely to be contributing to this cancer diagnosis; however because the field of genetics is so new, they cannot completely rule it out as contributory to my breast cancer. -On 2/10/25, I had 2 more biopsies done in which the radiologist tried to get a tissue sample from the area of concern on MRI. Results of this biopsy showed "foci of micro-invasion carcinoma" meaning the cancer cells are starting to spread outside the ducts. There were too few cells to test for ER/PR/HER2 status. -On 2/14/25, I met with a general surgeon and oncologist at Mayo Mankato. Because the tumors are in different regions, I am not a candidate for a lumpectomy. They've recommended mastectomy (surgical removal of the breasts) for full removal of the tumors. The tissue will be sent to pathology for more comprehensive testing; results will lead to a more definitive treatment plan following surgery (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.). -On 2/17/25, I met with a reconstructive surgeon regarding the process of breast reconstruction following mastectomy. -On 2/19/25, I had appointments for pre-operative tests, a post-mastectomy compression "bra" fitting appointment, and a physical therapy appointment to determine pre-mastectomy baseline lymph fluid levels in order to be prepared for potential complications like lymphedema. She also reviewed post-op restrictions for the first few weeks after surgery. I have a confirmed surgery date of 3/5/25 for a double mastectomy with phase 1 reconstruction. I'm told the recovery is about a month. I'll come home with drains in place and lots of physical restrictions. This page is intended to be a place for us to keep friends and family up-to-date with everything. We are not the type of people to ask for help, but we know it takes a village, and we know we will need help. So maybe we'll be able to ask for help on this platform as well. We are still trying to wrap our heads around all of this, so please bare with us as we navigate everything (admittedly, I've been terrible about answering messages from people because I often feel overwhelmed). To everyone who has supported us thus far, we cannot thank you enough and we truly feel the love.
Special Notes
We appreciate everyone's generosity and have heard from many of you already your willingness to make meals for our family during this time. To make sure nothing goes to waste we put together a meal sign up document with dates and specific meals we know our kids will eat. Click here to sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mKgSAciqyW9kRx1XRH0OAOrrBpcBKgJO6HJHNePxT6A/edit?usp=sharing