Mindy Adelizzi was first diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer in January 2011. She felt a small lump in her right breast and -saw her doctor, who ordered a mammogram and an ultrasound. Then she was sent for a biopsy, which was a scary, emotional experience. Mindy had to wait two weeks for the biopsy results.
“It’s amazing how long 14 days can feel when you are waiting to find out if you have cancer. My doctor asked to see me in her office. She looked me straight in the eyes and said that I had cancer,” Mindy recalled. “I have no family history of breast cancer. I was 39 with two young children. I was shocked.”
Six weeks later, Mindy met with her oncologist. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. “I remember sitting on the floor of my bedroom, sobbing to my mother on the phone,” she said. “I worried about how my 6-year-old and 8-year-old would react. When I got up the courage to tell them, their eyes grew wide with fear.”
Mindy knew her hair would fall out shortly after starting chemotherapy and she dreaded it. Friends and family arranged for a salon to host a private appointment, during which Mindy’s hair was shaved. Nine friends and family members shaved their heads that day, too, to show Mindy their support. “A lot of things about cancer suck, but not that day,” she said. “I felt loved, grateful and supported.”
Treatment lasted nine months, after which Mindy started tamoxifen. “I felt fairly confident my breast cancer journey was over,” she said. “But it wasn’t.”
Ten years later, a mass showed up in Mindy’s left breast during a routine mammogram. Her doctor sent her for an ultrasound the same day. “When I saw the doctor’s face, I knew,” she said. “A biopsy confirmed it was breast cancer again.” Mindy felt a rush of fear and anxiety.
During this time, Mindy’s boyfriend, Bill, proposed to her. “We sat down together to tell my kids. They were 10 years older. I saw a range of emotions – fear, anxiety and sadness,” said Mindy. Both of her children are now studying biomedical engineering in college. “My experiences with breast cancer may have played a tiny part in their decisions.”
Mindy underwent a double mastectomy, and the road to recovery was not easy. “The pain and discomfort of the expanders and subsequent surgeries were tough to endure,” she said.
Finding a positive outlook on life and gratitude for each day were critical to her recovery. “I’m a true believer in the power of positivity. I know it played a significant role in my healing. I surrounded myself with a supportive community of family and friends, and I made sure to take care of myself physically and emotionally.”
Mindy also found staying organized – keeping track of her appointments, medical records and treatment plans – helped her stay focused during treatment, as did taking care of her emotional well-being. “I did activities that brought me joy,” she said.
Most importantly, Mindy sought out the stories of other breast cancer survivors on Susan G. Komen’s website and through other cancer organizations. “Connecting with people who have gone through or are going through similar journeys provided me with a lot of support,” she said. “It’s important to know you are not alone.”
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.
