It started in the summer. Not the cancer, I didn’t know anything about it then. But my health had been worsening for some time. The arthritis was getting worse and various autoimmune issues kept me in near constant pain. My weight had crept up to almost 260 and I felt terrible. It was a vicious cycle – I would drink sodas and eat sweets for a quick rush of energy to get through work and then crash. I tried to diet, but cutting out soda was too difficult. Finally, in August I reached a tipping point. Something had to change.

My rheumatologist put me on Methotrexate, a drug to suppress my immune system. He warned me that I may have some flu-like symptoms. I decided to quit sugar (including soda!) cold turkey and deal with the withdrawal at the same time. To my surprise, it worked. My pain decreased, and for the first time in years I was able to move easily. The weight started falling off.

In October, I noticed a lump in my right breast. My first thought was that it was easier to feel because of the weight loss, but I wasn’t overly concerned about it. I had a lump that required a biopsy in 2017 and it was benign. I called my doctor and asked for a referral for a mammogram. I have very dense breasts, so it isn’t unusual for me to have a follow up ultrasound. She ordered a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound for the following week. They showed a 2cm mass at 11 0’clock, so she ordered a biopsy. The surgeon didn’t have an appointment until December 9, but she didn’t want to wait. I finally got in on November 14th.

The results showed invasive breast cancer – grade 3, triple negative with high Ki-67. Our main concern right now is whether it has spread. This type of breast cancer is aggressive. Unfortunately, my insurance company denied requests from the doctor for tests (CT for chest, abdomen and bone scans). Although I have filed an appeal, the doctor thinks it is unwise to put off the treatment.

And so, here we are. I’m looking at a year of treatment. Six months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, surgery and then another six months of treatment. Radiation and possibly more chemo/immunotherapy depending on the success of surgery.

I have an appointment in a few hours to go over the plan with my oncologist and then my first treatment directly after that. The worst part, for me, is not knowing what to expect. Being informed and prepared is (usually) my superpower. This whole process has been humbling, for sure.