Vickie Sasser was diagnosed with stage 1 triple negative breast cancer in 2019. This is her breast cancer story in her own words.
A Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I vividly remember the day I heard the words, “It came back positive. You have cancer.” Sitting in the doctor’s office, tears streamed down my face. With my dense breasts, I was used to returning for additional tests, but this year felt different. After a series of imaging and biopsies — this time on both breasts—I was told to expect results in about a week.
Yet, just two days later at 8 a.m., I received a call asking me to come into the office. In that moment, I knew. As I sat across from my doctor, she delivered the news: I had triple negative breast cancer. ‘Negative’ had always been a good thing, but not this time. I wasn’t given details about the stage or prognosis; I would have to seek that information from the surgeon.
When I left the doctor’s office, I was provided the names of surgeons, oncologists and radiologists. I was determined to take control of the situation before telling my husband, especially since his sister had just been diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer a few months prior.
Having a Lumpectomy
My journey began with selecting a surgeon, recommended by a coworker. Coincidentally, the surgeon shared the same first name as my sister, which felt like a sign. When my husband and I met the surgeon, she patiently explained my diagnosis, the next steps and the prognosis.
As we left her office, I asked my husband what he thought. He replied, “I like her!” On the day of surgery, I felt an eerie calmness, confident that everything would be okay. I had a lumpectomy and the surgery went smoothly, and my recovery followed suit. My surgeon advised me to meet with the oncologist to discuss whether chemotherapy was the next step.
Starting Chemotherapy
The oncologist I chose came highly recommended as well. She clearly outlined my odds with and without chemotherapy, and I decided to proceed with treatment to improve my chances of beating cancer. The first step was installing a port for administering the chemotherapy. I was unprepared for the discomfort and pain that accompanied the needle insertion, but learned to use numbing cream to alleviate some of it.
Side Effects From Chemo
I had heard horror stories about chemotherapy side effects from TV, but thankfully, I only experienced nausea once. However, I dealt with fatigue, hair loss, loss of appetite, changes to my nails, oral thrush, infections and altered taste. My husband encouraged me to buy wigs early, and I was grateful for that foresight.
Three weeks into my first round of chemo, while at the hairdresser getting my wigs styled, my own hair unexpectedly fell out. Tears filled my eyes. I chose to leave the salon wearing a cap instead of a wig. When my husband came home, he didn’t flinch; he simply asked, “Do you want me to use the clippers to shape it up for you?” The next challenge was showing up at work with a wig, but I received overwhelming support from my colleagues.
The fatigue was more intense than I had anticipated; even showering felt like a monumental task. I also wasn’t prepared for the loss of taste — everything tasted bland, which diminished my desire to eat.
40 Rounds of Radiation
After completing chemotherapy, I faced radiation treatment next. I was scheduled for 40 sessions. The sessions themselves were short, but I experienced fatigue and skin irritation as side effects. If my skin became too damaged, my treatment could be delayed for healing.
Leaning on My Support Team
I was fortunate to have a fantastic support team. My husband stepped up significantly, changing our diet and researching everything related to cancer and nutrition. He made sure I ate, even when I lacked the appetite. My coworkers also looked out for me, ensuring I had meals during work hours. Women from my support group, who had previously battled breast cancer, checked in regularly. It was crucial for me to surround myself with positive influences, emphasizing the importance of a solid support network.
My New Reality
Throughout chemotherapy, my life revolved around treatments, blood draws and doctor visits. Even after chemo, I had ongoing oncologist appointments during radiation.
I kept hoping for a return to normalcy, but eventually realized that I had to embrace a new normal. I could no longer keep up my previous pace; learning to say “no” became necessary, and that was okay. While I maintained a generally positive outlook, I allowed myself to feel down at times, which was also acceptable.
Now, I have no evidence of disease. Do I feel anxious during mammograms and breast ultrasounds? Yes. Will that anxiety ever fade? I doubt it, knowing that the possibility of recurrence, of getting breast cancer again, is always there. Still, I’ve made a conscious decision to live each day to the fullest.
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 health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
