Catherine Shaw was devastated when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was only 39 and had no family history. This is her story in her own words.
Before I had breast cancer, I always thought it could never happen to me. I was under 40, had no known genetic predisposition, breastfed both children and had my first child under 30. I just didn’t check any of the boxes for a woman to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
When I went to my annual gynecological check-up in December 2021, the doctor felt a lump in my left breast. I was told it was probably nothing but was sent for a mammogram and ultrasound to confirm the lump was benign (noncancerous). I thought maybe it was inflammation from my last COVID booster.
Three weeks later, that nothing resulted in me sitting on the table at the radiologist’s office, being thanked repeatedly for coming in and being told that I would need a biopsy for further testing. I was 39 years old.
I drove home shaking and once I got there, I headed right to bed. My husband came upstairs and I told him that it didn’t look good. Neither of us could believe it. I had to wait three weeks for my biopsy.
Even when I went in for the biopsy, I kept telling myself it was a mistake. How could I have breast cancer? I believed it would be benign, but two days later, I received my report. It was invasive ductal carcinoma of my left breast with a 5 cm lump and at least two affected lymph nodes.
I texted my husband and my mom. I was scared and worried about how I would take care of my children, continue to work and have a normal life. Would I lose my hair? My breasts? My life?
That afternoon, I made an appointment with a well-known cancer center in Jersey, the Ritz Carlton of cancer centers, as I called it. When I went to see their breast surgeon, she explained to me that I would need chemo, radiation and surgery. And yes, I would lose my hair.
That is where it all started. Eight months of my life were filled with endless diagnostic tests, appointments, blood tests, treatments and fearing the unknown. In the end, I had eight rounds of chemo, one surgery and 25 sessions of radiation. This year I had another surgery and have continued to take hormone therapy to place my 41-year-old body into medical menopause (to keep the cancer from growing).
What I learned from this process is that I was able to conquer my worst fears and not just live through them but live past them. I worked throughout treatment, took care of my children and home and relied on others when I wasn’t feeling my best.
I don’t want what I went through to have happened in vain. I want women under 40 to hear my story. Breast cancer can affect all women, at any age. And if you are one of the lucky women to be under 40 and thriving through cancer treatment, please know that I am thinking of you and you will get to the other side of this stronger, healthier and wiser.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their healthcare provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
