By Jessie Putre
On March 13, 2024, I went to a private clinic to check a small lump in my breast that everyone was telling me was probably nothing. At that appointment, I was told that I likely had breast cancer. I had a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy at that appointment, and my results came in several days later.
I was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma – breast cancer. Not only that, but my cancer is also HER2 positive. Only 15-20% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed as HER2 positive. It is an aggressive form of breast cancer that carries a risk of recurrence.
My world was instantly shattered. Sadness, disbelief, anger, and fear took over. One week later, on March 20, 2024, I underwent a total mastectomy of my right breast. It was all so surreal, and I kept asking myself, “Why is this happening to me? Am I going to die?” The mental journey was more challenging than the physical… I am still trying to process everything.
Now what lies in front of me is chemotherapy, then radiation, all in combination with an antibody treatment for those with HER2-positive breast cancer, which I will have to do for a year. There are no guarantees of success with what lies ahead, but I’m trying to be optimistic and the doctors feel I stand a strong chance of making a recovery if I take all of these steps.
I started chemotherapy on May 8, 2024, in addition to Perjeta and Herceptin. I have done two rounds so far. My second round was yesterday! I am hanging in there OK. I will be doing six rounds in total. I’m trying to remain positive and keep faith that once I get through all of this, the best is yet to come for me! I have such a new appreciation for life and for the people in my life, that’s for sure!
Read More:
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
Triple Positive Breast Cancer Under 30
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