By Deidre Ferenc
Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. These are dates ingrained in our brains never to be forgotten. Well, earlier this year, a new date made a mark for me, March 16, 2022, the day I heard the three words no one ever wants to hear … “You have cancer.” At 43 years old, in excellent physical condition, and someone who not only lives a healthy lifestyle herself but teaches others how to as well as a certified health coach, it came as quite a surprise. I didn’t understand how this was possible, especially considering that I’m usually the one helping others and coaching them on how to live their healthiest and happiest life.
A few weeks prior my doctor had felt two small lumps in my left breast on a routine exam, she told me not to worry, so I didn’t. Eight out of ten lumps turn out to be noncancerous so there was no reason to freak out yet. I went the following week for a mammogram and ultrasound. Ironically, the mammogram was read as clear, but the ultrasound confirmed that there were two suspicious masses. The following week I went in for a breast biopsy and the next day received that dreaded phone call.
The following day we were scheduled to head out on a family ski trip for the kids’ spring break and I was determined not to let this ruin that for them, or even for me. So my husband and I decided that we would still go but not tell the kids about my diagnosis just yet.
Every morning on that vacation I was up hours before anyone else and I would get on my computer and have a visit with “Dr. Google” while I cried! My husband, who is a real doctor, always reminds people that Google is not a doctor, but I couldn’t help it. But by the time everyone else woke up, I was all smiles and ready for the day! In all honesty, getting away that first week was a blessing. I was able to escape my reality (somewhat) and gather my thoughts while I enjoyed my family and skiing.
As soon as we got home though reality smacked me right in the face. It was doctor’s appointment after doctor’s appointment. In one week, I think I saw nine different doctors — oncologists, breast surgeons, plastic surgeons, genetic counselors, radiologists, etc. This was honestly the hardest part of it all … making the decisions on what my treatment plan was going to be and who was going to be my team for this journey.
After a few weeks of mental agony, I finally decided to move forward with a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction and who my surgeons were going to be. Once I did that I felt as though a weight had been lifted! I had a plan and as a type A personality, I needed that.
April 19th was my surgery, and everything went well. My first post-op appointment was three days later and I actually walked to it! Luckily my reconstruction surgeon is just a few minutes from my house, and honestly walking was easier than getting in and out of a car. By day 10 post-op I was out taking walks every day.
Before my surgery it looked as though we had caught this in a very early stage, and doctors were optimistic that the mastectomy was hopefully all that I would need. But we would not know for sure until all of my breast tissue was sent out for further testing and final pathology was completed.
About a month later I was feeling great and recovering from my surgery well, and then I got more bad news. Final pathology showed that my chance of recurrence was a little too high and therefore chemotherapy was recommended. Once again the tears flowed because this was not what I expected. Being told that I had cancer was like getting punched in the face, and then being told I needed chemo was like getting punched in the gut right afterwards.
After numerous delays and setbacks, including a severe anaphylactic reaction at my first chemo treatment to one of the medications, I finally started chemo in early July. I had four treatments total, one every three weeks. And guess what?? I conquered chemo! It would knock me down for about 2-3 days after each treatment, but nothing I couldn’t handle, and by day five post treatment, I would pop right back up and get back to my regular routine.
I pretty much maintained my normal lifestyle during chemo, getting up to watch the sunrise each day (my free therapy), workouts, walks and my mom duties. I truly believe that going into this healthy and strong helped me get through it so much better. So, this is your reminder to ALWAYS make your health a priority and NEVER take it for granted!
To be continued …
For more information and to follow Deidre Ferenc’s journey, go to www.DLFWellness.com or @deidreferenc.
