I met Mandy on the Young Survivor Coalition website. She agreed to do an interview with me about her breast cancer diagnosis, at the age of 32.
How did you find out you had breast cancer?
I discovered a small pea-sized lump during a breast self-exam. I showed my doctor, but she was not concerned because of my young age (32 at the time). The lump grew while I was pregnant and I had bleeding from my breast during my pregnancy which was the reason I decided to get a mammogram.
What types of breast cancer treatments were recommended?
I had a choice of either doing traditional chemotherapy (every three weeks) or doing dose-dense chemotherapy (every 2 weeks), involving Adriamycin/Cytoxan for four cycles, and then Taxol for 4 cycles. I decided on the dose-dense treatments. I then did 33 radiation treatments and had a hysterectomy/oophorectomy followed by Armidex (which I am still taking). I also did Herceptin (2 years after I finished chemotherapy) for 9 months.
How did you research breast cancer and breast cancer treatments?
I had my husband do it – I was too chicken!
How did you tell your family?
My parents live in town and my Mom was watching my children when I went for the biopsy, so she knew right away. We called other family members and let them know.
Are you involved with any breast cancer support groups, fundraisers or breast cancer organizations?
I have been involved with my local Relay for Life. I am involved online with two breast cancer support groups for young women: The Young Survival Coalition & the Boo Bees.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer?
Ask for help – people want to help out and you will need to have friends and family around you to get you through the tough times.
What advice would your give the family members and friends of someone diagnosed with breast cancer?
Let the person affected with cancer express their feelings. Not allowing the person to express their fears of the future or sadness about their diagnosis causes them to feel stressed. Sometimes it is best to let the feelings out and to talk to someone about them.
As a breast cancer survivor, what thoughts do you have on surviving breast cancer and being a breast cancer survivor?
I am just trying to live my life the best way possible – I would say I do this by being "cautiously optimistic" every day! I am thankful for the gift of today. It is hard, though, to not be fearful of recurrence. It seems to be always in the back of my mind. I try hard not to worry about every little pain, but sometimes my fear gets the best of me!
Name three breast cancer book you would recommend:
Well, it isn't really a breast cancer book, but Conversations with God was an excellent book I read while going through chemotherapy! I also read "In Living Faith," a daily devotional book that helped me relax.
Name other breast cancer-related resources that you recommend:
I enjoy visiting the Young Survivor Coalition!
