MEET MOLLY
My name is Molly and my breast cancer journey began in May 2015 at the age of 60. It took several months to diagnose my cancer because it did not present as typical cancer cells. I first noticed a palpable ridge tissue across the top of my left breast. It was not a lump.
I saw my doctor a few weeks later and had a diagnostic mammogram. It looked like dense breast tissue so an ultrasound was ordered. The technician called in the radiologist and he said it doesn’t look like cancer, but just to be sure, he recommended a MRI.
Unfortunately, it was denied by insurance . A repeat ultrasound was recommended 6 months later. I was good with that since I had both the diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound done.
A month later I was talking to my sister, an MD, and she wanted me to see a surgeon. I set up an appointment the next month and she ordered an MRI. This time in October 2015, it was approved by insurance.
I received a call from the surgeon 4 days later, that I did have cancer but it was small and slow growing. Due to the location of the tumor, however, I did need a mastectomy.
In November of 2015, I elected to have bilateral mastectomy and also 19 lymph nodes were removed from the left side. My pathology report came back and I had stage 3, highly aggressive estrogen/progesterone positive cancer.
My tumor was not small at all. It was 10 x 4 x 2 cm. I went through 16 rounds of chemo and 28 radiation treatments. I had expanders in both breasts and underwent reconstruction surgery in October 2016.
I am doing very well and am very healthy. I am grateful for all of the support from family, friends and the medical community and most grateful for my faith.
I knew I was not in control, so my prayers were for strength to get through this journey with a positive attitude, finding some joy in each day.
Molly’s Tips:
Be persistent if you think something is wrong. You know your body better than anyone.
Take it one day at a time. If you do need chemotherapy or radiation, take it one day or week at a time. It’s overwhelming to think too far in advance.
Don’t forget to have fun and schedule little trips, as they give you something to look forward to in the near future. I would often say to myself “ I am Molly who has cancer” not “I’m the cancer patient named Molly”. Attitude is everything!
