Nicole L’s Story
In November 2019, I discovered a lump during a self-exam in the shower. A quick slip and twist of my hand led to a rapid bruise. Since it was a Friday night, I waited until Monday to visit a clinic. The same day, I had an ultrasound, and then a call informed me that a biopsy was necessary. The doctor who did the biopsy downplayed it, suggesting it was just blood being drawn up and not a cause for concern. He skipped the full biopsy, deeming it unnecessary.
On December 11, 2019, the clinic doctor revealed ductile carcinoma, emphasizing the need for a proper biopsy to confirm. At first glance, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 31. In March 2020, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. The diagnosis changed to encapsulated papillary carcinoma, a rare type with only a 2% likelihood. Recovery was challenging, resulting in a seroma in my abdominal incision area. In September 2020, I found another lump, leading to a lumpectomy in October 2020, followed by 16 rounds of radiation in January 2021. However, a lump reappeared, requiring another full left mastectomy with flat closure in February 2021.
The dreaded news of needing chemotherapy came next, and I endured 16 rounds of dose-dense ACT from April to August 2021. During chemo, I learned the cancer had spread to my liver, marking me as stage 4 at 33 years old. In Ontario, Canada, stage 4 patients don't receive PET scans, opting for CT scans and liver MRI every few months.
Since September 2021, I've been on kisqali and anastrozole, later switching to Letrozole in September 2022. I'm grateful to share my story as of June 7th, 2023. After weeks of scans, thoughts, struggles, and emotions, I anxiously attended my oncologist follow-up. The unexpected news arrived—I am in REMISSION!
Tears welled up as my oncologist and I shared this unexpected victory. The formal written news stated "no evidence of hepatic metastases," meaning the liver mets are no longer visible. My oncologist joyfully scheduled the next appointment for four months instead of the regular three, urging me to go live my life.
To say I'm in shock is an understatement. Overwhelmed with emotions—happy for this turn in my journey, sad for lost friends, grateful for the supportive community—I hope people understand that amazing things can happen, surprising and shocking you. Take it one breath, moment, or day at a time.
Sending love and healing to everyone reading this!
-Nicole
