Life update: Six weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Last week, I underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumor successfully, and sentinel node biopsy to remove a lymph node.
In October, after filming in ABQ, I was in bed when I felt a lump. I have no family history, but my instincts told me to treat it as urgent. I saw my doctor right away, and within a week, I had an ultrasound.
During the appointment, the radiologist told me in the room that it was cancer. Bi-Rad 5, he said, and ordered a biopsy. I left the clinic sobbing. My diagnosis: Stage 1A invasive ductal carcinoma, 1.1 cm, hormone receptorāpositive, HER2-negative.
The good news? Itās highly treatable and curable. Today, I found out the margins they removed are clear and the lymph node was negative for any additional cancer š©·š¤²
This has been a wild rollercoaster; emotionality has been fraught, intensity and executive mode have been high. Iāve learned a whole new medical language, have felt heartbroken, have sat with God, and have felt love and guidance at every turn. My journey in this lifetime has been one of resilience and strength, and this situation is no different. I am grounded and ready for all the things to come, and committed to living life with less stress allowed in.
I hope this story encourages others to listen to their bodies. Advocate for themselves. Early detection saves livesāPLEASE donāt put off appointments.
To my loved onesāthose who researched, sent care packages, notes, flowers, calls, prayers, nursed me, wept with me, raged with me, and love meāyour support is everything. Thank you, tribe (you know who you are), my team at
@cedarssinai , and fellow survivors sharing their courage with me. You are all my heroes. š©·
Still a little more of a healing hill to climb.
But my incisions are healing and so am Iš
Azi
#breastcancer #Cancer #InvasiveDuctalCarcinoma #Stage1 #Awareness