Happy Saturday!!! Today Stacie is sharing her story on her diagnosis and her survival. Stacie came ready with her glam outfits and ready to go. Her son was with her and he had a good time watching his mom get the glam squad treatment that she deserved. He was her personal cheerleader on this day! Stacie was so sweet and I am glad that I could provide this service to her! Everyone....Meet Stacie!
1. What type of cancer were you diagnosed with and when?
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer 29 Jan 2015.
When I went in to initially speak to the doctor, she assumed I was a stage 2. I spoke to the plastic surgeon who made a double mastectomy sound like the "boob job" I'd always wanted.. I did extensive research to learn that even with that kind of surgery, there was still a chance of recurrence. I opted for a lumpectomy. The surgery went well, and I waited for the pathology report. My parents and I sat in a small room to be told that 18 out of the 24 lymph nodes they removed were cancerous putting me at stage 3C instead of the 2 that was assumed in the beginning. It was like the wind was knocked out of me. All I remember asking is if I was going to die. Because there were so many nodes involved chemo was in my future. I started chemo April 29th, and it wasn't too bad to start. The horrible part is the shot that you have to take for the white blood cells. I've never felt that kind of pain, ever: and I've had two children. Chemo for me lasted 4.5 months, and it sucked. Some days I could meet my Soldiers for lunch (I'm Active Duty Army), and other days I couldn't even get out of bed. I took my last chemo treatment June 28, and drove 10 hours to PA for my grandmother's 103d birthday party June 29. I wasn't missing that for anything.
After chemo I had 6 weeks radiation therapy which made me very very tired but I managed to go to work. I remember on the last day walking out the hospital after ringing the bell thinking "now what"...
It's been 19 months since I ended treatment. I'm learning to adapt to the physical side effects from the partial hysterectomy (the cancer was estrogen fed), and the hormone blocker I will take for the next 10 years. My eyebrows grew back, so I'm happy about that. Mentally, I feel like I was in a dream.. and I say dream instead of nightmare because I came out of that year the best person I've ever been. I learned what is important and that faith will see you through the darkest days. I learned to live life to the fullest and love on your people as often and as hard as you can. Tomorrow isn't promised.
2. How old were you when you were diagnosed? 37
3. What/Who helped you get through your treatment?
I was a single parent to two, so my mother and father flew in from MD and Ca. to help me with treatment.
4. When were you deemed Cancer Free?
I use 11 Mar and my cancer free date
5. What did you do to celebrate that special day and your anniversary day?
Last year, I went to Dominican Republic, not sure what we will do this year.
6. Do you have any special charities that you are involved in or host as a survivor?
I am not involved in any charities, yet
7. What advice would you give to someone that is just being diagnosed?
To anyone who is newly diagnosed, I would tell them to have faith. Have faith, and ask for help if you need it. I would also tell them you don't realize how strong you are until you are faced with a beast like caner. But, you can do it. NEVER EVER EVER give up!!
