Molly’s Story

I’m 35. Diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer. My mom has four sisters with stage 4 cancer. All four have different types. Her mom died from cancer. My entire immediate family has had genetic testing done. All came back negative.

My journey started with a flat nipple. I was in the shower, and it was cold, and I noticed one nipple was very flat. I didn’t think too much of it at the time. 

A week went by and no change.  I check for a lump. Nothing. 

After a few more days I start overthinking it. Was it starting to look inverted, too? I check for a lump again and find one. 

I called my gynecologist to schedule an appointment to get it looked at. The nurse tells me that they have no openings for months, but since I have a lump they see me in two days. 

My doctor finds the lump and orders a mammogram “just to be sure”. At my last checkup a few months prior there was so sign of a lump, so she’s concerned with finding one so soon. 

I thought I had years before worrying about a mammogram. There has to be a better way. It’s awful and I pass out. While I’m there they go ahead and do an ultrasound and biopsy. 

A few days later I get the call. I have no idea what the doctor is telling me as we’re plating our bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches. “I’m going to put you on speaker phone can you please repeat that?” 

Invasive ductal carcinoma. 

I had no idea what that meant at the time. I was diagnosed with stage II triple positive breast cancer. I am working daily to stay strong and positive. Some days are easier than others. 

-Molly