Tara, Henrico
Please tell us when you were diagnosed and at what age. I was diagnosed on August 1, 2018 at the age of 37.
What stage and type of breast cancer were you diagnosed with? I had stage 3 triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma
How was your breast cancer initially detected? I found a lump in my left breast. I am below the age recommended to start mammograms.
How did you feel when you first received your diagnosis? When I first received my diagnosis I was scared, in shock, worried about my children and my family and overwhelmed.
Do you have a family history of breast cancer? I have no family history of breast cancer.
Did you have a support system? If not, how did you overcome or find it? I have an amazing support system. My husband has a very understanding employer which allowed him to attend all of my doctor’s appointments and really make my health a top priority. My mom moved in with us for the duration of my chemotherapy and helped in more ways than I can mention. We stayed with her for three weeks after my surgery also. My sisters are always there for me when I need to talk or vent and used their contacts in the medical community to make sure I was set up with doctors who were specialized to my needs. And my amazing friends were and are so generous and supportive. Sometimes they brought us food or helped with the kids and sometimes they just checked in on me and gave me a hug.
What was your treatment process? I started with chemotherapy every other week that totaled eight sessions. Then I had a mastectomy and lymph node removal surgery. Now I am going through radiation with a final reconstruction slated for sometime towards the end of the year.
Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, what were these obstacles and how did you overcome them? I decided to have my care managed by The Cleveland Clinic and they do my chemotherapy and radiation in Richmond. Getting records sent and doctors set up between hospitals was a bit of a challenge. My husband kept amazing notes with contact information and we made sure to follow up with all parties to make sure they received all of the information they needed in advance so nothing got delayed.
What message would you like to provide to others facing a diagnosis? The anxiety of finding out if anything is wrong is much better than delaying diagnosis and therefore treatment. Get to know your body now so you can tell if something is off. Then, if something feels weird, get it checked sooner rather than later.
You are your own best advocate so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns or don’t like something. If you don’t get along with your doctor, get a new one. If you want to have something looked at, ask until they listen. It’s your body and your life.
What is your connection to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation? Have you used any of VBCF’s resources, attended any of our events, or gotten involved in our work? Tell us more. I received a package of information when I was newly diagnosed. I have also worked with VBCF to advocate with my state representatives and with the public.