In November 2024, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). To say that I was completely floored by the diagnosis is an understatement; heck, I exercise five to six days a week, I consistently go for my annual physical, I don’t eat processed or fried food, and I only drink water. I was what most would consider a portrait of health, yet I found myself faced with breast cancer. After a whirlwind of appointments with general surgeons, plastic surgeons and oncologists, I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy to remove the lump and take an aggressive stance on reducing any chance for recurrence. On December 18th, one week before Christmas, I underwent surgery. I know to most, it would seem like awful timing, but in my eyes, it was the first of many blessings. The last two weeks of the year are quite honestly my slowest time at the office. Tyler was home from college and Sophie was off school for Christmas break. Many of my friends had time off for the holiday, so I was constantly surrounded with love and support, not to mention amazing meals made specifically with my rigid dietary restrictions in mind. My crew showed up HUGE! During my time off, I was down with incredible fatigue. The physical pain from surgery was manageable, but for someone used to being incredibly active, I struggled mentally. I wanted nothing more than to be at the gym with my friends and out running Mill Creek Park on the weekends. (In fact, I asked my surgeon when I could l start training again two weeks post-op. If you know Dr. Lou, he had a few choice words for me! Haha!) But I was determined not to let the diagnosis and physical changes in my body define me. Breasts didn’t make me who I am! In late January, I was able to return to the gym one day a week, and thanks to a recommendation from my friend, I called the oncologist and asked for a referral to physical therapy. Best decision ever! Shortly thereafter, I started a twelve-week physical therapy program at Crew Physical Therapy with an AMAZING doctor that is certified in post oncology and lymphedema. Between working with my trainer and following Dr. Rachael’s PT program, I was able to start running again, too. (During this time, the results from the pathology report and Oncotype DX test came in as well. The surgeon was able to get the entire mass with clean margins, all three lymph nodes were clear, and the chance of recurrence was in the single digits. I was declared cancer-free with no need for chemo, radiation or hormone therapy!) Fast forward a few short months, and I am finally feeling like myself. I’m ran the Pittsburgh Half Marathon four months post diagnosis and surgery. And! I signed up for my first full marathon in October, which I’ll run with my bestie by my side. So thankful for complete healing. For my husband. For my family. For my friends that I consider my family. For doctors, who I now consider friends. I am better because of you. I know the Lord is calling me to something big, but I’m just not sure what that looks like yet. But I’m here to listen and walk beside you wherever you are. Stay tuned!
