01 Oct An Unwelcome Surprise
Greetings, Dear Readers,
On March 1, 2019 our third grandchild, James was born to our younger daughter, Mimi. How wonderful!
Three days later on March 4, our older daughter, Katie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Katie, is 34 years old with two young children. Her son, Billy was 5 months old at the time of her diagnosis and Katie was 33.
With Katie’s permission, I’m writing this post during Breast Cancer Awareness Month hoping it will serve as a lifesaving measure to young mothers and women at large.
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In November 2018, Katie was nursing her son when she discovered a lump in her breast. Her obstetrician assumed it was a blocked milk duct, but referred Katie to a radiologist just to be sure.
The radiologist ordered a breast ultrasound and assured Katie it was a blocked milk duct. He instructed Katie to come back for a followup appointment in two months. Two months later Katie returned with the lump ever-present and another breast ultrasound was ordered. Again, the radiologist assured Katie it was a blocked milk duct although he had not seen a blocked milk duct with irregular borders such as this.
Katie told the doctor she wanted a biopsy. The radiologist told Katie there was less than a 1% chance that it was breast cancer. He also asked her why she would want to be unnecessarily stuck with needles.
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Katie called her obstetrician and requested the obstetrician arrange for a second opinion. On March 1 Katie had an ultrasound, followed by a mammogram and a biopsy. On Monday March 4, Katie was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
There is no history of breast cancer in our family, and up until now I knew very little about breast cancer.
Thank God for advances in Breast Cancer research and treatment! Recently, a targeted treatment was developed for Katie’s type of cancer which had been trickier to successfully treat. Fortunately, Katie does not have the BRCA gene.
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Katie finished her six rounds of chemotherapy in July. She wore a cold cap to prevent losing her hair. Cold caps are not covered by insurance. The very fitted caps are chilled to 2 degrees and worn during the chemotherapy treatment. The process is extremely uncomfortable. Although Katie’s hair had thinned by the end of the treatments, she had some left. Now, two months later it’s looking very good!
On August 5, Katie had a mastectomy, and 4 days later we learned the lab results indicated a 100% response rate to the chemotherapy!
She will begin five weeks of daily radiation soon, followed by breast reconstruction and continuing immunotherapy until March.
Her prognosis is very good.
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Katie has always been persistent for which I am beyond grateful now! Because she trusted her instincts, the cancer was caught before it was too late. She truly saved her life.
How often I say ‘I wish I had trusted my instincts.‘
In respect of Katie’s privacy I have not included several medical details, but I hope sharing these parts of Katie’s experience will inspire you, young mothers you may know and women you care about to give breast health and Breast Cancer Awareness Month the attention it deserves.
I invite you to join or support ME or one of the many Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walks taking place this month around the country.
THANK YOU, KATIE for letting me share your story!
We’ll talk sewing later 😊
click photo to go to my page
Rita Johnson
Posted at 17:39h, 01 OctoberSarah, Terri and I were talking about you and Katie just yesterday and hoping that things were moving along positively for Katie. I knew from my experience with my niece (34 when diagnosed with breast cancer – 5 years this coming December) that you would be busy and hated to bother you for an update. Thanks for posting and for Katie’s willingness to share this with others. Hugs and prayers for all of you. Rita
Meredith Piatt
Posted at 17:42h, 01 OctoberSarah, please thank Katie for allowing you to share her story. You must be so proud of her to keep pushing those doctors to make sure of the diagnosis. What’s a needle stick when your life could be at stake! I’m so glad her prognosis is good. Your family must be so relieved (and exhausted!).
My husband is being treated for lymphoma, and while amazing treatments are being developed for cancer, the patient and their family must stand up for themselves. As caring as the doctors are, it’s easy for them to lose sight of the fact that they are treating a human being, and they must do what’s right for the patient.
I can’t imagine having a child (and mother of young children) of that age getting a cancer diagnosis. Sending healing thoughts your way. I’m so impressed by you all!
Rosalind Clayton
Posted at 17:43h, 01 OctoberWe must all be proactive as far as our health is concerned, no matter how a symptom or illness may be looked at as not an issue for some doctors. i am blessed to live in Canada & so our universal health care removes the crippling burden of paying for tests & procedures. I am SO glad your daughter persisted. While she has had a very rough road, it seems that she is out of the woods for now & hopefully for the foreseeable future. I will add her to my prayer list & will pray for her continuing improvement for the next few months. While medicine has enormous technology to help make us well again, only God ‘s intervention & presence brings on the real miracles! If possible, please keep us posted so that those who wish to can pray more effectively.
Trish Shanahan
Posted at 17:44h, 01 OctoberWhen I was a young mother, no one talked of such things. I wonder how many of my acquaintances and co-workers suffered alone. Thank you for sharing. Keep you family close!
Christine Rudinsky
Posted at 17:48h, 01 OctoberGod Bless and keep your entire family. Unfortunately, we must all be our own advocates when it comes to medical issues – I applaud your daughter for her strength and persistence. My prayers are with you all.
Cynthia Flagg
Posted at 17:49h, 01 OctoberI’m so thankful that your daughter trusted her instincts and insisted on testing. I”m sure this has been a terrifying ordeal for your family. Happy to hear that the prognosis is good. Best of everything to your family. Thank you for sharing an important message.
Gail Foglietta
Posted at 17:53h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing this. Knowledge is everything when fighting a disease like cancer; you may have saved someone else’s life. Thanking God with you!
Debi
Posted at 17:59h, 01 OctoberGod Bless you all and thank you for sharing this vital information…especially for young women. Much love to you all!
Jane Mary Green
Posted at 18:01h, 01 OctoberSending hugs and many prayers for your smart, brave, wonderful daughter. Thank you for sharing this to help educate! God Bless your daughter and your family… always with continued good health and happiness.
Mary A Funt
Posted at 18:03h, 01 OctoberI’m so, so sorry to hear about Katie. As someone who worked in this field I know it’s unlikely but it DOES happen, as evidenced by Katie. I’m sure the diagnosis was terrifying and the treatment unpleasant, but happy to hear that she had aggressive therapy and a positive prognosis. She is a courageous woman. My best wishes to your entire family for health and happiness.
Nancy Schaub
Posted at 18:13h, 01 OctoberCongratulations on the birth of a new grandchild. I am sorry such joyous news was tempered by a frightening diagnosis for your other daughter. I am so glad she persisted in getting the biopsy and that things are looking up. Prayers to all.
Linda
Posted at 18:16h, 01 OctoberPrayers for your family! We all must be our own advocates. I went through much of the same with undiagnosed thyroid cancer after my son was born. Follow your instincts, get your checks annually !
Deborah Leonard
Posted at 18:16h, 01 OctoberI’m so sorry to hear that beautiful Katie has breast cancer and very happy to hear that her treatment has been successful. As encouragement, Ann is 89 and was diagnosed with breast cancer when Leanna was born. My mother is 87 and also a breast cancer survivor. Prayers for her complete recovery. Thank you for sharing.
Marina Villalobos
Posted at 18:29h, 01 OctoberThank God Katie was so persistent. She was very brave to face the possibility of a breast cancer diagnosis. I think most would take the doctor’s word as gospel. She truly saved her own life. You must be so proud, as well as grateful. Second opinions are essential. My best friend had a similar experience but in her case she trusted the “expert’s” opinion and when she was finally diagnosed, too much time had elapsed and it was much too late. She passed away at age 46 and left behind a teenage daughter who desperately needed her, a devastated husband and grief-stricken friends. I am so glad Katie’s and her family’s future is so bright.
Anne Marie Mattison
Posted at 18:43h, 01 OctoberHello, I know your family has been going through all the ups and downs associated with a breast cancer diagnosis and the wonderful news of a new baby. I am writing to give you and Katie hope…when I had just turned 43, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I too did not carry the BRCA gene. I underwent a mastectomy, chemo and radiation. I am now 68 years old and have not had a recurrence ever. Please share with Katie that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I send her my very best wishes and many loving days with her entire family. My best, Anne Marie Mattison, Gainesville, FL
Anne Reyner
Posted at 18:52h, 01 OctoberI was wondering why we hadn’t heard from you in a while. Now I understand. Thank you so much to you and your daughter for sharing thèse difficult moments. I believe it might help others. I hope Katie continues to do well. Best wishes to all of your family.
Hanh Trang
Posted at 18:52h, 01 OctoberThank you and Katie for sharing. Congratulations for having a new grandchild and having such a smart and insistent daughter like Katie. I have some good physicians but also did experience many others who did not listen to their patients very well, and gave wrong diagnosis. Best wishes for Kathie for a speedy recovery and a cancer free life afterwards.
Kathleen-Marie Tracey
Posted at 18:52h, 01 OctoberHugs.
Scarlett Tatum
Posted at 18:53h, 01 OctoberThank you sharing this oh so personal experience. As hard as it to put it all out in the WWW my prayers are that it will help at least person. Even though my husband does not have breast cancer he is a two time cancer survivor. Please encourage Katie to investigate smoothies make with lots of kale and a vegan diet. Many cases of self healing have been documented. My prayers for continued improvements for a long a healthy life. 🙏🏻
De Campbelll
Posted at 18:56h, 01 OctoberI am so happy your daughter persisted and took the actions she did. On Saturday, I met a beautiful lady who has been cancer free for 19 years. She, too, was young with small children when the discovery was made. Her faith, attention to health care, and the support of her family got her through. It’s my prayer that your family continue to stand strong. Hugs to you!!!
Lisa Fredericksen
Posted at 19:03h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing! Instinct IS important. My mother had a dream (nightmare) that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her doctor of many years reluctantly sent her for a mammogram, but the results showed she did have breast cancer at age 70. Rather than come visit me for the birth of my third child (her third grandchild), she had a mastectomy. But tell Katie, she is now a 96 year old Breast Cancer Survivor!!
Karen Jones
Posted at 22:56h, 04 OctoberLisa, thank you for posting this! I was 69 when I was diagnosed with cancer in both breasts. Mastectomy, chemotherapy, reconstruction wasn’t easy. That was only last year. Now I’m 71 and hope I live as long as your mom.
Connie Outlaw
Posted at 19:06h, 01 OctoberMy heart breaks when a young mother is sick. I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
Pat B
Posted at 19:09h, 01 OctoberThank you and Katie especially for sharing her cancer story. She is very brave to talk about her difficult journey and I am so proud of her and her generation who will talk openly and share in order to support others. My heartfelt best wishes to you all.
Blak blanca
Posted at 19:11h, 01 OctoberThank you, thank you…you have just saved some lives. You are an amazing woman.
Karen Helm
Posted at 19:23h, 01 OctoberThank you, Sarah, and thank you, Katie for sharing this powerful account of your very personal ordeal. Katie, you are a very brave and astute young woman, which doesn’t surprise me, as you are your mother’s daughter! There is so much to be grateful for in your story, but of course, your lives and the lives of your family members are forever changed. I hope you know that your willingness to share this will empower other women to be proactive in their own health, and it will surely save lives. Blessings to both of you.
Julie Starr
Posted at 19:29h, 01 OctoberKatie has my unending admiration for her strength, courage, faith and grace throughout her ordeal. She is also blessed with incredibly supportive parents, in-laws, family and a caring network of friends. I pray she remains cancer free and soon returns to a healthy and happy life raising her beautiful family. ❤️
Julia Carvel
Posted at 20:03h, 01 OctoberCongratulations on your new grandbaby, as well as a successful treatment of Katie’s cancer. I cannot believe (and yet shouldn’t be surprised) that the first doctor acted like a biopsy was such a terrible idea. I had one done when I was 20 years old and had discovered a lump in my left breast. My obgyn said it was likely a cyst, but if I wanted to get it checked out, I could. Since I am a “better to know than not know” person, I chose to get a biopsy and was told that I have a fibroadenoma (a fairly common benign tumor).
A biopsy is honestly even less stressful than getting a shot. I can’t remember if they used a topical numbing agent or not, but the entire procedure took less than 5 minutes and there really isn’t any post-procedural healing. There is absolutely NO reason NOT to get a biopsy if you have any sort of lump/bump.
Good on Katie for being persistent and going with her gut!
Kris Curtis
Posted at 20:32h, 01 OctoberI was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 53 and was included in the “young” category. I cannot image having to go through treatment with young children and babies at home. I’m 16 years cancer free and praying that Katie joins the “Survivors Sorority” shortly!
Melissa Dietz
Posted at 20:33h, 01 OctoberSarah, I learned of you while on my own breast cancer journey. I have always wanted to thank you for your encouragement and inspiration as I went through treatment. Katie sounds as if she is strong and she is smart. Mothers need to have just what she displayed in advocating for herself because she has wee ones in her care. I am excited to hear of her progress and see her children grow. All my best and continued prayers. MD
Carole Mellin Thompson
Posted at 20:42h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing. Your daughter is brave, resourceful, and intelligent. I commend her and wish her a long, healthy, joyful life with your beautiful grandchildren.
Edith Johnston
Posted at 20:48h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing and being persistent. Good thoughts are sent your way for all of you.
Lynne LaHood
Posted at 20:52h, 01 OctoberPraying for Katie. Anymore we have to be advocates for our health and that of our loved ones. Good for her to not take the Doctor’s word. Doctors are human and make mistakes. They are not gods. I saved my son from being a paraplegic after he broke his back in a car accident because I disagreed with the treatment. Thank God because his spine surgeon said I was right. Don’t be embarrassed. Trust your judgement and intuition. Thank you for sharing Katie’s story. It will save lives.
Linda
Posted at 20:53h, 01 OctoberDear Sarah, thank you for posting this., and thinking if others. So often doctors will poo poo things, even if its brought to their attention because they always think they know better. Your daughter is very smart. There are multiple cases of situations, particularly with mothers, who just ‘have a feeling’ that something is not right, and ttey turn out to be right. Women and mothers should always go with their gut feeling……..they are usually right. Be pushy if you have to, to be heard.. Wishing your daughter continued good health and a complete recovery.
Daryl 'Deedee' Reese
Posted at 21:08h, 01 OctoberThank you. Take care, Good wishes and God Bless.
Lucy van Doorn
Posted at 21:17h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing with us Sarah and a special thank you to Katie for agreeing to share her story. I’m sending healing thoughts and prayers to Katie as well as the rest of your family as you get through this ordeal. So glad that Katie was able to be her own health advocate and insist on pursuing a second opinion. Let that be a lesson to all. Wishing Katie a full and speedy recovery.
KRISTEN DRESCHER
Posted at 21:26h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing this. Hugs to Katie and her family, including you. Kristen
Cath Clarke
Posted at 21:30h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing Katie’s journey Will be praying for a good outcome with all her treatments.
nancy priest
Posted at 21:40h, 01 OctoberI am so sorry Katie had to go through that but very glad that she is beating It. Thank you for sharing her story.
I will keep you all in my prayers.
Carolinas Callin
Posted at 22:03h, 01 OctoberSarah, I’m so sorry to hear about Katie, but so happy her prognosis looks good. Cannot imagine how worried you were. Good for Katie to follow her instincts and insist it be followed up. Thank you for sharing her story with your readers. Y’all are in my prayers!
Janine
Posted at 22:11h, 01 OctoberSarah, God bless you, your Katie and your entire family. And thank you for sharing the message to trust our instincts.! My sister had a similar story and she had to push hard for testing. That little voice inside of us is powerful! Prayers that Katie’s treatments only bring positive news.
Best,
Janine
Lisa Jones
Posted at 22:44h, 01 OctoberGod bless katie, and the entire family..
Mollie Bobo
Posted at 22:55h, 01 OctoberThank you for sharing Katie’s story. It’s so encouraging when young women trust their instincts. Always go for the second opinion! Your life can be saved. Most importantly, Katies children have their mother.
Cynthia Willis
Posted at 23:24h, 01 OctoberSarah, I know all too well the suspense, and uneasiness of the facts surrounding this dreaded disease. In Dec. 2018, I had a physical and scheduled a mammogram for the 26th of Dec. two days later, my doctor’s office called with a recommendation for a needle biopsy and a follow up mammogram, which I scheduled for Jan. 10, the date of our scheduled move to a smaller town 75 miles away. While my husband stayed and gave direction, I went to the appointment dreading what I felt sure to be the outcome. Yes, it was positive, and then came the decision, so I seek treatment here(new town) or our old town 75 miles away, where my husband had lived most of his life. We looked at surgical options and decided on our. Former city. My surgeon explained all my options, lumpectomy vs mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, etc. My oncologist was supportive, but did more testing and recommended chemo (12 weeks) following recovery from the mastectomy and reconstruction by a very talented plastic surgeon. I have 1 week left in the chemo treatments. While it has not been easy, it has been manageable due to excellent caregivers (daughter and sister, and husband). I feel blessed it was caught early, not in lymph nodes or in other areas. Early diagnosis and quick response is key to survival. Good luck to your daughter in her next phase of treatment. Family support is crucial to her mental well being at this time of rebuilding her physical body. May God bless you all.
Jody Hug
Posted at 23:35h, 01 OctoberSending wishes of health & happiness.
Kris Carr is a wealth of knowledge and support for cancer thrivers and has a wonderful community.
Becky Dotson
Posted at 23:38h, 01 OctoberDearest Sarah and Katie. Thank you for sharing this with us. Thank you for not allowing breast cancer to be something women fear and can’t mention to anyone. Both my mother and sister had breast cancer, survived it and thrived afterwards. You’ve got this, Katie, and will do just fine. You will all be in my prayers. God bless.
Reagan
Posted at 23:44h, 01 OctoberThank you so much for sharing. Happy Healing to you Katie, God bless you and your family 🙏
Graca
Posted at 23:55h, 01 OctoberSo sorry to read this post and how terrifying it must have been for all of you considering that it was brushed off as nothing that serious. Good for Katie for trusting her instincts. Wishing her a speedy return to good health and joyous days ahead. for all of you. Hugs. .
Tamara Kemp
Posted at 00:13h, 02 OctoberPraying for Katie. So glad that she took charge of her treatment ❤️
Bernadette Dizzine
Posted at 00:13h, 02 OctoberYour daughter and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. A friend told her doctor she wanted a double mastectomy because she had a feeling it would be best (shortened story) He advised against it though his own sister had died from breast cancer and was an excellent doctor, but finally agreed. After surgery he told her instincts were correct. Your story brought tears to my eyes remembering. Good wishes for all.
Judy Pineda
Posted at 00:18h, 02 OctoberI was wondering why you were so quiet over the summer. I’m so sorry to hear this news, but at the same time, it is such a positive story of self reliance and strength! My prayers are with your family!!
Alice Elliot
Posted at 00:37h, 02 OctoberThanks for sharing Katie ‘s story. Prayers for her recovery.
Laura Grabow
Posted at 01:47h, 02 October.On behalf of the one in every 8 women who are part of the Breast Cancer Club , I welcome Katie, thank her for her story, encourage her to stay viligent about her health and enjoy everything life has to offer. There will be many challenges ahead and this experience will enable Katie to take each day as it comes and live it wisely and to the fullest. My best to you Katie.
Judy Duerson
Posted at 02:57h, 02 OctoberSarah,
Special thoughts for Katie and all of you as you provide the support needed for her healing. She is so blessed to have the close family network. I am sure sharing her story has not been an easy thing to do. In doing so, she will likely provide the insight for others to pay more attention to what is going on with them and not allow similar symptoms to go unattended. Prayers!
jb parisienne
Posted at 03:24h, 02 OctoberHello everyone, in France we have “octobre rose” rose the colour of the ribbon weared.
I was radiologist and 23 years on oncology.
you may have a biopsy if something worng on the second radio ou echo.
I hope my poor english understanding and wish the best to all.
Regards
Jeanne
Bronwyn David
Posted at 03:33h, 02 OctoberThank you for sharing and emphasising how women must trust their instincts…. the worst that can happen is not a cancer diagnosis, but the symptoms being ignored and the cancer being allowed to grow. The more we can talk about it, the better we all are. A friend was prompted to get a check up after my own diagnosis and she was found to have cancer too. But it was found very early so she and I both have a great prognosis. All the best to your daughter and to you.
Mary Anne Chambers
Posted at 04:49h, 02 OctoberI am so sorry to hear of your daughters illness and the fight she had to get a proper diagnosis. She was quite right to trust her instincts so that she could then get the proper treatment she needed. I pray that she (and all who care for and support her) will heal quickly.
Lesley Pritchard
Posted at 06:05h, 02 OctoberWishing Katie and her family a continued successful recovery.
Big hugs and kisses to her mum too.
Val Downes
Posted at 06:47h, 02 OctoberWhat a shock for you all! Like you, we have no history of breast cancer in out family but my sister has recently had a biopsy and is waiting anxiously for the results. I’m delighted that your daughter is in the clear and would like to wish you and all your family all the best and I hope that things just keep on getting better for you all.
Cheryl Lemmons
Posted at 06:56h, 02 OctoberOh Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear that you all have had to travel this difficult journey. Thank you for sharing Katie’s story. Hopefully it will save at least one more life. I’m so thankful that your story is turning out well. I pray for full and complete healing for Katie and for renewed strength for all of you! God bless you!!!
Susan Kelley
Posted at 08:17h, 02 OctoberGet those memograms.! (Know they are uncomfortable!)Agree with the previous comment-go with your instincts I had a lumpecomy about 19== years ago and radiation because I did not want to go through reconstructive surgery at that age. If it reappears I would do a bi-lateral, but so far, so good!
I have a 3-d memeogram each year and so far I am clean. Good luck to you and your daughter. Best wishes.
Vivian Zornek-Katz
Posted at 08:23h, 02 OctoberThank you for sharing your daughter’s and your story. She will be in my prayers. Congrats on the new grandson. How lucky your daughter is to have a family community to support through this, and that you are able to do so.
Diane Nardin
Posted at 08:47h, 02 OctoberThank you for sharing this story with all of us, and especially Katie’s example of the strength we can find within when we have the courage to trust our instincts. I’m so glad for her and her children and her whole family that she has weathered this storm and has such a great prognosis. I’m sure it’s been a difficult and stressful time for all of you, but I will continue to hope for ongoing improvements and healing. All the best to you, Sarah, and many thanks for the joy you’ve created with Goodbye Valentino.
Mollie Weis
Posted at 08:53h, 02 OctoberThank you Sarah and Katie for sharing Katie’s story. We must trust our instincts. Prayers for a long and healthy life with loved ones.
Karen Hinson
Posted at 08:54h, 02 OctoberThank you so much for sharing. Breast cancer is so prevalent in our society. Prayers for Katie.
SarahJean
Posted at 09:03h, 02 OctoberWhen she is ready, she may want to look up firstdescents.org. It’s a group for cancer survivors and patients under 40. It was a life changing experience for me, as no one can really understand cancer like those who are/have gone through it. I’m one chemo away from being done… wishing Katie the best!!!
Andrea Birkan
Posted at 09:43h, 02 OctoberI am so sorry to hear that your daughter has had to go through this terrible ordeal. I will keep you in my prayers. I wish her a speedy recovery from her surgery and I know I live far away from you but I am only a text or call away if there is anything I could do to help.
Jane Schmitt
Posted at 10:24h, 02 OctoberThank you for shearing, and may God be with your family.
Kate Smith
Posted at 10:55h, 02 OctoberThank you for sharing your story. You and your family are in my thoughts. There is no pain deeper than watch your own child suffer, no matter what age they are.
Bonnie Wheaton
Posted at 11:39h, 02 OctoberYou and Katie may never know the lives you will save by posting this account of her experience. Best wishes to all for a complete recovery and a long, happy life.
Claire
Posted at 11:44h, 02 OctoberThanks for using your platform to share Katie’s story and frame self-advocacy as a matter of life and death. It hit close to home for me as the BRCA gene is in my family. To go from delivering a baby to nursing to a mastectomy in a few short months…what a warrior (in body and mind) she has been forced to be. Sending healing thoughts your family’s way.
Patricia Flynn
Posted at 11:58h, 02 OctoberThank you for posting. I am sure Katie’s journey will be an inspiration for others to be their own health advocate. Prayers for you and your family.
Katie Johnson
Posted at 12:24h, 02 OctoberPrayers for your Katie to continue to fight until she reaches survivor status! Thank you for sharing this story so that we are reminded to trust our instincts! I’m sure you are so thankful that Katie trusted hers and is here to watch her babies grow up!
Peggy Lobello
Posted at 12:32h, 02 OctoberThank you for sharing this story. I’ll be in fervent prayer for your daughter and you and the rest of your family!! 💕🙏🙏💕
Grace Jones
Posted at 13:54h, 02 OctoberThank you and thank Katie for sharing her story. It is so very common that young women’s concerns are dismissed as merely blocked ducts and such nonsense as “you’re too young to have breast cancer”. Since my own diagnosis last year I have gotten to know so many young breast cancer fighters, many of whom do not care a genetic predisposition for cancer and who have found their own tumor lumps. I’m so glad that Katie persisted, and so so glad that her prognosis is good. I also cold capped (it was EXCRUCIATING, tedious and yes, expensive). Please extend my best wishes and solidarity to her.
Ann Steeves
Posted at 14:21h, 02 OctoberI’m so sorry to hear about Katie. As a survivor of almost 10 years, I know the terror of the diagnosis, and the ordeal that she has gone through. Thank God, indeed, for the work that the researchers and medical professionals have done to combat this disease. What was once a death sentence no longer is, but there is still much to be done. I’ll hold Katie and your entire family in my thoughts.
And ladies, PLEASE if you are over 40, get an annual mammogram, and regardless of your age, check your breasts once a month. These steps save lives.
Maryellensews
Posted at 10:24h, 03 OctoberSarah , Katie & Family – your courage is so admirable . Thanks for sharing your story – you are an inspiration to all but especially young women . ! Continued thoughts & prayers for good health to all 😍
Judy Mathis
Posted at 11:34h, 03 OctoberMy heart goes out to you , your daughter and the family. I had my own breast cancer “scare” the past year being ultimately diagnosed with LCIS. Not cancer but showing I am mor susceptible to have breast cancer. My docs at Spartanburg Regional were very diligent in diagnosis, testing and treatment. After several very uncomfortable and painful procedures, I then had to have a biopsy which showed the LCIS. So , after all that, I’m thinking, how much more breast cancer patients have to endure! Love and prayers for your daughter! 🙏🏼💕
Judy B
Debbie Cepeda
Posted at 13:08h, 04 OctoberThank you and your daughter for sharing your family’s story. Your daughter’s story is my story! Too young to think it was breast cancer, two small children and no family history of breast cancer. But my story started 25 years ago this year! I also had to ask for a second opinion because the doctor stated it could not be breast cancer because I was too young. Luckily, I did not listen to him and I am here to see my beautiful grandchildren. I look back at my battle as a blessing as it showed me what is really important in life, the time spent with your family and letting the small stuff go. Enjoy each other and the lovely memories made along the way!
Jean Shaw
Posted at 14:49h, 04 OctoberI gasped when I read this. All good thoughts for all of you.
Rita Holladay
Posted at 20:42h, 04 OctoberSarah, you haven’t posted in a long time and I knew there must be some good reason for it. You have been a busy woman. Your story is phenomenal; thanks for every word of it. We are in partnership with our doctors about our medical care. I have learned to be aggressive at the risk of hurting feelings. So glad your daughter was also. I’m sure many prayers have been offered in her behalf. God is very good and I feel certain that she is in good hands. The Great Physician is the best healer of all. Lean on him. All the best in the busy, trying days ahead. Know that you are loved, many times from afar.
Angela
Posted at 12:23h, 05 OctoberOur lives seem to be a mix of good news and bad news. So much congratulations on your new grand baby and kudos to your daughter for insisting on a proper diagnosis. I had already had the genetic testing done and it came back clean. Two years later I ended up with breast cancer. Most cancers are not genetic. It is alarming and sobering, but I am thankful your daughter appears to be on a good healing path. I am also encouraged to read from so many survivors in your comments. I think looking toward eternity can help us really live and love more fully while we are here.
Vickie Townsend
Posted at 21:21h, 05 OctoberI am sorry for all your troubles, but thank God Katie stood up for herself. I saved my Mother’s life by insisting she have a biopsy for a lump under her arm that would not go away which her internst dismissed as unimportant, even tho she had lost 30 pounds. It turned out to be Stage III Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. She is now twenty yrs out, age 90 and doing well. ALWAYS follow your instincts in what I say. Best wishes again.
Susan Kelley
Posted at 08:57h, 06 OctoberYou have certainly goot a lot of support out there. I am so glad to see that. Ladies, DO NOT put off thos mammeograms. early detection makes it so much better to get it over with and away from youI. I am not saying everyone if like me, but I had asked my GP,If I was his mother, what would he recommend . He said don’t stop! I I did have the x-ray and fthey found an area. I felt I was too busy to have this,but I did and so far with little stress (radiation,etc I am still here to exhort you to get those mammeograms!, Best wishes to you, Sarah , and your daughter. I was told that my daughter now had a history(everyone who would have know anything is gone),so don’t wuit because you tink you are too old. We are never too old for that!
Kathie Bennett
Posted at 22:22h, 08 OctoberThis blog and Katie’s story is beyond inspiring.
Joan
Posted at 14:21h, 09 OctoberSarah, I am so sorry for Katie’s diagnosis and wish her the VERY best for her further treatment and recovery. She is so young, and it is hard thinking of someone her age dealing with a cancer diagnosis and having her youthful joy assaulted by illness. Very thankfully, she has wonderful care, wonderful family, and a positive prognosis!
I do want to second and third your point by sharing my own cancer tale: one must trust their instincts in medical care and stand up for oneself!
After a lifetime of annual normal Paps, I had my first ever abnormal Pap test 9 years ago at age 50, and over the following months, I returned to a physician for a follow-up PAP test, which kept being postponed by the doctors (by error). Finally, after having my repeat PAP administered some 8 months later, it proved to be abnormal a second time, and I was immediately referred for a pelvic ultrasound. As I was dressing, the technician called me back for additional views. My new internist, who I came to adore, immediately sent me to a gynecologist for an additional test to sample endometrial cells. As I sat on the table while my gynecologist reviewed my digital record, I could see that he was skimming my file and it appeared that he had overlooked pertinent details of my history (I was reading over his shoulder, and he did not read the section about my grandmother having died in the 1940’s at age 50 of an “abdominal cancer”). He then told me that really, at 50, I was an extremely low risk for endometrial cancer, and I needn’t proceed with the test!
I told him very simply, that I would like to proceed with the (uncomfortable) test, as I had already taken ibuprofen, as instructed, before the test. He did the swabbing, a very quick process, and said, that though it was highly unlikely, he would call me within a few days if there was reason to do so. Two days before my 51st birthday, I returned home and saw there was a flashing light on my home phone voice mail. I immediately played the voice mail, in which my gynecologist told me that I had endometrial cancer, that he had made necessary arrangements for me to see a gynecological surgeon in their practice, and that I should not worry!
Needless to say, I left his practice and sought surgery and follow-up treatment elsewhere. By seeking out a higher level, nationally-recognized practice, I was able to have much more localized radiation treatment (brachytherapy) after surgery, which limited tissue and organ damage — a big plus to one’s long-term wellbeing.
The moral of my story: please don’t let health concerns fall by the wayside. By acting quickly, you can VASTLY improve your prognosis!
Linda LaMona
Posted at 10:56h, 10 OctoberI am glad to read that Katie’s breast cancer was caught in time. I have learned over the years that one has to be very assertive with doctors; who knows one’s body better than the person in it. Trusting instincts are good also!
Patricia Moore
Posted at 01:13h, 19 OctoberBless her heart and her instincts! Positive thoughts are coming your way and I hope for her continued positive outcome and good health. So wonderful of Katie to share her story and try to help others. My best to you and your whole family.
Carol
Posted at 07:38h, 20 OctoberBlessings to you all on this journey!
Listening to your intuition/instincts is all important..
Thank Goodness you did Katie
ThankYou for sharing your story
You will never know how many lives you may have touched or saved because of it….
Wishing you Love and Light
And a Speedy recovery
💖
Jean OReilly
Posted at 10:48h, 20 OctoberOMG. I am praying for a speedy recovery for Katie and a return of your family to focus on the joy young children bring. Thank you for being part of raising awareness of cancer risks and vigilant self advocacy. Sewing can take a break..