Supporting each other through our less common BC Journey

Dear Less Common Breast Cancer Sisters,

I want to send you all lots of HUGS and LOVE during this difficult time in your lives. I know that we all have our own very special tumors that our breasts/estrogen gave us that we did not ask for. I wanted to start this thread so all of us can come together and help support one another through this new world we have entered.

We can talk openly about our feelings, challenges, successes and what we have learned from this experience.

I would also like to take our minds off of our breast issues and talk about what we like to do for fun!

My name is Sara I am 33 years old and this past May I was dx with a Borderline Phyllodes tumor (right breast) that was 17cm. When my BS told me I would have to have a mastectomy I went into shock and my emotional roller coaster started. The hardest part for me was the thought of losing my breast, and I spent many nights crying myself to sleep. But I think in a way it helped me feel better because after the tears stopped I felt calmer and that things were going to be aright. Most of the feelings I have had along this journey have been scared out of my mind, sadness, anger and the feeling of why me. Finding information about Phyllodes tumors was difficult as first since they are so rear, but the most useful/easy to understand information I found was on breastcancer.org.

The good parts have been that my surgery went well and I had one of the best BS in my area that I trusted completely. The funny part is my birthday was in June and I thought I would have a breast cancer free day just from not thinking about it, but no my BS office called to schedule my appointment for surgery and my follow up appointment as well Happy Birthday to me! LOL.

What I have learned from this whole experience is to first listen to your body when things aren't looking or feeling right and get help early. Remember that life is short, so enjoy every moment while you are still here. Allow yourself to express all kinds of feelings you have and be kind to yourself. Even though it has been almost 5 months since my mastectomy I still have to remind myself not to over do it, and remember that I am still healing emotionally and physically. Thank your medical team for all they have done for you they have given you the greatest gift you could ever receive your life. Tell the people that you care about the most in life how much you love and appreciate them.

Okay fun time! What I love to do is art paintings, drawing or anything that allows me to think outside of the box creativity. I also enjoy spending time with my cat and family/friends. I teach preschool children and one thing I enjoy the most of about working with them is seeing all the different art projects they create on their own.

Thank you all for taking the time to read this. I look forward to meeting more of my less common BC sisters and supporting you in anyway I can.

Hugs and Love to all,

Sara

DX 5/30/2017 17cm Borderline Phyllodes Tumor

Surgery 6/27/2017 Mastectomy(right)