Kelli's Story
Kelli shares her story to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection and diagnosis.
As 2020 approached, I embraced it as a pivotal year. A year of growth, change and self acceptance, my quest to attain personal clarity and contention. I took control of my mental and physical health and immersed myself in hot yoga, exercise, meditation and talk therapy. The year was off to a productive start.
I was way overdue for my yearly mammogram which was supposed to take place in May of 2019. I had finally scheduled it for February 2020. It was the second mammogram of my life. I never had any reason to be concerned as cancer was not a factor in my family's history. I remember walking into the Women's Health Center at Swedish Hospital for my first time thinking, “Wow! I guess if you're ever going to learn you have breast cancer this is the place to hear it.” Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that in just a few short weeks I would learn that exact fate. The offices at the Women's Health Center are beautiful, calm and very welcoming, like a luxury spa.
A week after my mammogram I received a call while at work from my primary care physician saying there was a lump that was concerning and I needed to schedule a biopsy. I immediately ran to the bathroom and felt my breasts and there it was, a large lump in my right breast similar to the size of a large marble. How could I have missed it? To be honest I had never done a self-exam and that's exactly why I missed it.
Going in for my biopsy I was so scared, I don’t handle things like this very well. However, the nurses, Linda Rowan and Corina Stefan that work in the Women's Health Center are like angels, reassuring me that no matter the outcome I would be in great care. At the time I did not know what a pivotal role Linda and Corina would have throughout my treatment. I am forever grateful for them.
Fast forward a week or two, life as we all knew it had changed. Covid made its way into the U.S. and the country started shutting down, my kids moved to remote learning. As a photographer for a national retail company, it was my first day in my makeshift home studio when I got the call on March 17th from my primary care physician saying that indeed I had breast cancer. My whole entire existence collapsed in that moment.
My primary care physician referred me to Dr. Cecylia Mizera, a general surgeon at Swedish Hospital, whom I got to know well, and oncologist Dr. Jeff Cilley. Prior to this, I had no idea what an oncologist even was! Later that week I went in for an MRI and a week later I was in for surgery; alone, without loved ones by my side due to Covid restrictions. But then Corina from the Women's Health Center appeared and was by side throughout the entire day. I could not be more grateful for her kindness and support.
As I woke following surgery, I learned that not only had I had a lumpectomy but had 24 Lymph Nodes removed, 22 of which came back positive for cancer. Because the cancer spread to lymph nodes the extent of my treatment would include 8 rounds (four months) of chemotherapy followed by 5 to 6 weeks of radiation and five years on an anti-estrogen drug called Tamoxifen.
As I write this, I have just completed the 8 rounds of chemotherapy which honestly was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Because of Covid I had to go to all of my appointments alone. However the oncology nurses at Swedish Hospital made my infusion days a bit more tolerable because of their kindness and genuine care for my well-being. In addition, the nurse navigator Katherine Williams has been my point person for support, including healthy meals that were crucial, especially during the first half of my treatment, and so much more. Katherine and the whole team will continue to be my support throughout this cancer journey.
As of today, this cancer diagnosis has taken a lot from me including my hair, my energy, my summer and the stark realization of my mortality. However it has also shown me point blank all that I was searching for at the beginning of the year which is acceptance, clarity, being content in the moment, the importance of everyday health, my family and gratitude for each day. I am the happiest I’ve ever been, my family is the closest we’ve ever been and for that I am grateful.
You can follow me on my journey on Instagram @myholisticvoyage
To schedule a mammogram, request an appointment or call 773-878-6888.
Published October 5, 2020
