In October We Wear Pink - Vicki's Story

In August of 2018, I received a call that changed my life forever. I got the "You have cancer" call. Even though I had been through extensive testing - mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies - I really did not think cancer would be the outcome. Way back in 2008 at age 32 I'd been through all the same and a lumpectomy (removal of a mass from my breast) and if hadn't been cancer. I thought this time would be more of the same, just a benign, irritating lump in my breast. Unfortunately, it was not and I was terrified.

The first doctor I spoke with scared me so much I was reeling for days. She told me I would likely have to undergo chemo and radiation, have a mastectomy and maybe have my ovaries removed as well. Fortunately, I was referred to Dr. Dy and was given a much more hopeful outlook. Because I was still in a bit of shock and she insisted :) Karie went along for my first visit with Dr. Dy. Karie took notes while I freaked out. Dr. Dy assured me that the type of cancer I had was slow growing, not aggressive and likely hadn't spread to other parts of my body. He felt a lumpectomy to remove the mass from my right breast followed by radiation and drug treatment would be sufficient. After a bit more testing, surgery was scheduled and it went fine. I was home later the same day resting comfortably. Some lymph nodes were removed as well and testing confirmed that the cancer had not spread. I underwent about 6 weeks of daily radiation treatments which were annoying but not painful and then began taking a daily pill as a preventive measure. I was essentially cured and could put cancer in the rearview mirror.

But, cancer wasn't done with me. A few months later I noticed lumps in my left breast. The whole process began again - mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, all with plenty of anxiety-inducing waiting in between. Four small cancerous spots were detected in my left breast. Once again, my cancer was slow growing, not aggressive and likely had not spread, but this time Dr. Dy suggested double mastectomy then a different proactive treatment to be followed for 10 years. Fortunately, still no chemo! I opted to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Mastectomy is no joke. It was incredibly painful both physically and mentally. Reconstruction was weird. Expanders were placed in my chest during my mastectomy surgery. Every two weeks I visited my plastic surgeon to have saline added until my skin had been stretched enough to accommodate my chosen implants. It was like having water balloons in chest. The expanders felt and looked weird. A couple months later, I was ready to have the expanders removed and implants put in. Fortunately, I was able to get this last phase completed just before the world shut down for Covid. I then began my proactive treatment of a monthly injection and daily pill. I've been in this proactive treatment phase for about 4 years. For the most part, I'm doing great. Side effects from my treatment have created the need for additional medication and I still grapple with the emotional and mental effects of a cancer diagnosis from time to time, but overall, I am healthy.

I would never say I am grateful for cancer but I am grateful for the clarity that came into my life through this time. Especially in the beginning, my emotional and mental state was shit. I needed to find a way to find some calm in the storm. I returned to yoga and found some peace there. I found that I could be more present and less anxious when I practiced yoga and meditated daily. I realized that I wanted to teach yoga and share that peace and calm with others, so I completed yoga teacher training and began teaching soon after. My practice and other personal growth work that I have done have helped me to slow down, live one day at a time and value the beautiful relationships in my life.

I was fortunate to have great support along the way from my family, friends and the Effingham medical community, especially Women's Wellness. That is why we have chosen to fundraise this October and donate the proceeds to Women's Wellness in Effingham. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection and treatment significantly increase the odds of survival. We hope that you will choose to support this cause with us and help Effingham breast cancer patients not only survive but also thrive.