Meet Ria, Diagnosed With Breast Cancer At 41
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Hi, I'm Ria.
November
On November 5, 2018, I went in for a routine mammogram. The next day, I got a call to come in for more pictures, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. They had found suspicious calcifications.
On November 26, 2018, I was given the news that the biopsy tested positive for cancer. I was diagnosed with malignant neoplasm of the upper-outer quadrant of right breast, estrogen receptor positive.
Stage 1, Breast Cancer
I had NO breast cancer symptoms, which was scary. I had no family history of it. Just a couple of months prior, I had my wellness exam and the test results all came back normal. But of course, I learned that cancer is not detected that way.
I went through 6 rounds of: Carboplatin, Docetaxel, Perjeta, & Herceptin.
On June 21st of this year, a week after my mastectomy, my oncologist gave me the best news! He said the pathology results showed “No evidence of disease!” This meant I had a complete response to chemo, and I did not need to have radiation treatment. I was told that I was cancer free and in remission, but that I did have to continue Herceptin treatments until the end of the year and start hormonal therapy.
On December 17th, I had my last Herceptin treatment. The following day, my port-a-cath was removed.
Cancer is life changing. The chemotherapy physically destroys your body, while cancer itself mentally drains you. With that said, I am glad I was still able to exercise. It was, and still is my therapy.
Life After Cancer
I am trying to get used to my new normal. My second chance at life. I have met some amazing people through this journey. Cancer has taught me what is important in life. To take it one day at a time, and to live life to the fullest. I hope to inspire others with my story. I believe that the routine mammogram is what saved my life.
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Thank you for sharing your story, Ria. SBC loves you!
Ria was on our podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations! Check out this episode, featuring her incredible story.
Ria was also a part of a panel discussion on Thrivership After Breast Cancer. Listen to this episode now!
SurvivingBreastCancer.org Resources & Support: