Kate Leyder

Survivor

Survivor

Fighting breast cancer at 39.

I was told I had breast cancer on 2/10/22. I never felt a lump or had any pain. An MRI for emergency gallbladder surgery saved my life. That MRI picked up a mass in my right breast.
Fast forward to my follow-up mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, my one mass turned into two masses and both were malignant. I have stage 2, grade 3, Invasive ductal carcinoma with mets to surrounding lymph nodes. I also got a bonus BRCA2 gene mutation! Head spinning yet? Mine still is.

It was recommended by my breast surgeon that I have a bilateral mastectomy because the gene mutation I carry makes the reoccurrence rate alot higher for me. It was time to say goodbye to my murderous D cup ta-tas and on 3/17/22 I had a DMX with partial reconstruction. I ended up developing Necrosis in my right breast that required an additional surgery so my expander in my right breast was deflated leaving me looking very not so asymmetrical! (Insert sarcastic voice) It’s a huge confidence booster!

I’m currently going through chemo now. I’ve completed my 4 AC infusions and I’m on my 4th Taxol infusion now. Chemo has been a complete rollercoaster and not the fun kind.
I still have a long road ahead of me. After I finish 8 more infusions, I move onto 4-6 weeks of radiation, a complete hysterectomy and breast reconstruction. I also have a whole list of yearly preventive testing I have to get done because of BRCA2.

So, if I could give any advice, it would be to fight like hell and don’t give up! Climb one mountain at a time and try not to focus on the whole picture or it will defeat you! Right now, I’m climbing Mount Chemo and that’s all I’m focused on. Find a support system! The only way I am getting through this is with my family, friends and my faith in God! There are so many awesome support groups out there! Join them! When cancer kicks you, kick back!