*Diagnosed July 2016: This is a recount of my story to raise awareness. You can find all of my posts on my blog for easy reference as I am posting each day of October, telling my story.
I'll never forget showing up to that appointment and my blood pressure was through the roof:157/104. Can we say STRESSED!!!! The nurse taking it was sure to point it out as well and all I could think was, lady.. do you understand what I am going through??? I then met my amazing surgical oncologist. She walked in with a team of people. I believe it was a nurse, a nurse navigator and herself. They handed me a huge binder and then proceeded to tell me what to expect moving forward. This was essentially the start of a blueprint.
Things that were suggested in my case were to proceed with a double mastectomy, genetic testing due to the aggressive nature of the cancer and being so young with children whom could be affected. I was educated on the fertility preservation options. Thankfully our family was complete and that was not a concern of ours at the time. It was recommended to see a lymphedema specialist to prepare me for side effects after surgery. A date was set to get my port so that I could start chemotherapy right away.
The final recommendation was the best part of the appointment. A new program had just begun called Glimmer of Hope. They provide integrative services such as acupuncture, massage and nutrition counseling free of charge. This sounded exactly how the name says and it truly gave me a place to unload my stress and focus on my wellness.
The emotions were high. My tears never stopped. I was in utter shock and disbelief. My husband was by my side through it all. We were raw to the core. But WE were ready!
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