What to Expect: Breast Cancer

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STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
Whatever it is, figure out what motivates you and inspires you to just keep going. I was diagnosed with stage one invasive breast cancer. I felt sad. I felt scared. Initially I went with a lumpectomy. I definitely needed chemo because I was HER2-positive.

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
I didn't know at 37 that typically when you go through chemo, you're thrown into medical menopause. I had all of the menopause symptoms pretty much all at once. I went bald. Figure out what can make you feel your best because, at the end of the day, it was more about getting

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
through treatment and feeling as strong as I could. I wish I had also known that it isn't as though each round of chemo is the same. I remember going into my doctor right before round six. And that was my last round of chemo. And round five was horrible. When I met with him, he said, this round will probably be worse.

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
But I trusted that there was a reason six treatments was the magic number. I just had to suck it up and keep going. And then I had another lump, another area of concern. I chose to have a double mastectomy. If you and your doctors decide that having a mastectomy makes the most sense for your surgery and treatment plan,

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
ask them practical questions. What type of bras should you have after surgery? Can you use deodorant? Can you take a shower? Load up on some button-up pajamas because typically you're going to have drains coming out of your armpits. And with that, it makes it very limiting in terms of movement and getting around.

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
I met a man, and I didn't expect that he would be around. Because my double mastectomy was 2 and 1/2 months after we started dating. But he was, and he was my rock. And we fell in love. Then I found out I was pregnant. When they delivered her, they said, that's one postmenopausal ovary.

STEF, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR CONT
We don't know how she's here. After a diagnosis, it can be difficult to look far into the future. But realize that the joys will be that much sweeter. Your perspective will be that much clearer.