Melissa's Story
Melissa, a breast cancer survivor, shares her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and diagnosis.
My name is Melissa. I am a single mother of three amazing boys that I often refer to as my “three little birds.”
On Monday, April 22, 2019, I met with my primary doctor, Katelynn Maxouris, to examine a lump I had discovered in my left breast. Dr. Maxouris immediately sent me across the street to the Women’s Health Center (WHC) for a mammogram and ultrasound. I was so scared!
I remember walking into the WHC and being greeted with a big smile. Everyone was friendly and the center was beautiful. It felt like I was in the lobby of a relaxing spa.
After my mammogram and ultrasound were complete, I was told I would need to have a biopsy of the lump. I went in for a core needle biopsy on Thursday, April 25th. I was so nervous, but I was comforted by the staff during the procedure. One young lady even held my hand during the biopsy and distracted me with stories of homemade cookies. I told her cookies made everything better.
After my biopsy, she came out to the lobby to stop me before I left. She had two cookies for me! She gave me a hug and told me to stay positive.
On Tuesday, April 30th, 2019, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. In just nine days my entire world was flipped upside down. Everything was happening so fast. I literally felt like my head was spinning and I did not know what my next step would be.
I received a call the very next day from a woman named Linda Rowan. She said she was a Breast Health Navigator from the WHC. She wanted to meet with me to go over some information she thought would be helpful. We scheduled an appointment, and it was more than helpful, it was a godsend.
Linda created a binder for me with information on my specific diagnosis, results, useful websites that have credible information, resources to assist with things such as wigs, counseling and support groups. Linda explained my tumor size, what type of cancer I was facing and answered my questions (I had SO MANY!)
She showed compassion not only to me but my mother as well. It’s not easy for a mother to hear her child has cancer. During the following two weeks I had an MRI, PET scan, BRCA test, ECG and had a port placed into my chest to begin chemotherapy. PHEW! So many appointments!
I met my oncologist, Dr. Cilley, as well as Dr. Mizera, the breast surgeon. They were both wonderful at answering my questions and putting my mind at ease, even just for the moment. We discussed the treatment plan and I would begin AC-T chemotherapy on June 6, 2019.
Saying I was petrified would be an understatement. How would I take care of my children? How will I continue to work and pay my bills? I’m going to lose my hair. What if I die? I don’t want to die! I tried to prepare myself as much as I could for my first treatment. I did lots of reading but remembered Linda’s advice about only reading credible information and to be very careful with information online.
On my first day of chemo I walked into the infusion center and was greeted by a young lady named Beatrice at the front desk. She was friendly and her smile seemed to be one of the common factors there. Everyone had a smile. Robert the nurse, Dr. Cilley the oncologist, Sook and Crispina the nurses who administered my chemo… Everyone had a smile. I felt as though these smiles were contagious, because even though I was so afraid of my new journey, I was walking amongst new friends and I couldn’t help but smile, too. Smiling seems to have a ripple affect doesn’t it?
I am just beginning down this long road. I have chemo to complete, surgeries and radiation to finish. Some days are extremely difficult. I have to often remind myself, one day at a time and faith over fear. My body is a stranger these days, my mind is on overload and my emotions are high. My best friend continues to tell me that “cancer cannot take your smile.” With the support of my loving family and friends, my faith in God and the amazing staff at Swedish Hospital, I will walk this road and smile as often as possible. You never know who is watching and needs to see it.
To schedule a mammogram, request an appointment or call 773-878-6888.
Published October 1, 2019
