Being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 40 with 2 young girls at home was terrifying. Sharsheret was there for me every step of the way.
Imagine finding a lump, almost the size of a golf ball in the shower in your breast. Instant panic. After being told by a nurse that I was ok waiting almost 2 weeks for a doctor’s visit, my anxiety shot through the roof! I was NOT going to wait, and it’s a good thing I didn’t. I was diagnosed with stage 3, grade 3, ER+ HER2- breast cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes on September 1, 2022 – a day I will never forget. I was only 40. How can this be?
After numerous oncologist, surgeon, radiologist, etc. visits my treatment plan was determined. I would be having 20 weeks of chemo before a double mastectomy, followed by radiation, then followed by reconstructive surgery. I was told with this chemo, I would for sure lose my hair. I was not able to come to terms with that, nor were my 15- and 8-year-old daughters. I didn’t look sick. I didn’t even feel sick. But once you lose your hair, it’s a giveaway – this person has cancer, and they are not well. My family decided this was not right for us, and we pursued looking into scalp cooling.
Insert Sharsheret and their amazing coordinators. Not only did they help me get approved for a generous grant for the scalp cooling, but they also helped me, and my daughters, emotionally navigate our new reality. They call and check on me. They sent me helpful brochures, gifts, books for my daughters. Through all of this, I have retained over 80% of my hair! I would say that is a win in my eyes! Is it uncomfortable for a bit? Sure. But in my opinion, losing all of my hair would be so much more uncomfortable.
I will forever be grateful to Sharsheret for their support and guidance through my journey. I still have a long way to go, but I am confident they will be by my side through it all!
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Disclaimer: Sharsheret is a national not for profit cancer support and education organization and does not provide any medical advice or perform any medical procedures. Sharsheret does not endorse or promote any specific medication, treatment, product, or service, and makes no guarantees regarding the effectiveness of the product discussed herein. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider.