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Here is the second story in my Blog Series: Breast Cancer Survivors: The Power of Sharing - Laura's Story

by on ‎10-09-2013 05:47 PM

Laura Ferguson bravely shared her story as she was battling her second round of breast cancer. We wanted to check in and see how she was doing. Here is an update from our dear friend.



Pictured here with her friend, Erin, on the right. 


Laura’s Story


Q: How long are you cancer-free?


A: I don’t actually keep track anymore.  I was so close to my 5 year mark last time around that I feel a little superstitious keeping track.  May 8th was technically my one year cancer free.    


Q: What type of breast cancer and at what stage were you diagnosed?


A: My first time was stage 1, but it was still weird as I had two tumors.  The one tumor was invasive ductal carcinoma and the other was invasive lobular carcinoma.  Both tumors were estrogen +.  I also had two lymph nodes that showed cancer cells on them, but not enough to be considered a complete positive.  The second time they couldn’t officially stage me.  My actual cancer was Stage 4 since there was no breast tissue present, but they don’t consider me terminal since it came back in the same place.  Very complicated! The second cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma and estrogen +.  Kind of weird to have ductal cancer when you don’t have any ducts left!!   


Q: Do you have a history of cancer in your family?


A: My aunt and great grandmother on my father’s side both had Breast Cancer.  My father passed away from Glioblastoma Multiforme (brain cancer).


Q: How old were you when you were diagnosed?


A: I was 28 and 33.


Q: How was your cancer detected?


A: I found the lumps both times. 

Q: What treatment program did you have?


A: First time I had two lumpectomies, a full node dissection, chemo and a double mastectomy with reconstruction.  Second time I had a lumpectomy on my fake boob, chemo, radiation of my chest and neck, and had my ovaries removed. 


Q: Did you seek a second opinion?


A:  The first time I sought a second opinion which landed me at The University of Pennsylvania.  The second time I knew that my case was presented to the tumor board, where numerous oncologists that specialize in Breast Cancer reviewed my case, and shared their thoughts with my oncologist.


Q: Are you currently on medication?


A: Yes.  I actually am in the process of switching from Arimidex to Femara.  I was having severe side effects from the Arimidex.  During my first battle I was on Tamoxifen, but it failed.


Q: What surgeries do you have left?


A: I’m all done! 


Q: What was it like losing your hair and has it grown back? 


A: Losing my hair the first time was really sad for me.  I would stand in front of the mirror just brushing my hair wondering what I would look like with all of it gone.  The second time I knew what to expect and wasn’t as scared.  It is growing back, slowly but surely. 


Q: What did you do after losing your hair? Wear a wig, scarf or au natural?  


A: The first time I went and bought a wig.  I was wearing it outside and at work.  It was so uncomfortable though.  I would take my lunch to work and go out and sit in my car just to take the wig off.  I finally asked myself, “Who am I doing this for?”.  After that I stopped wearing the wig.  I wore all sorts of scarves and hats from then on.  


Q: What helped you get through your journey?


A: Family and friends.  The second diagnosis was a huge blow for me.  I was not only scared for my life, but it also closed any possibility of having any biological children of my own.  Double whammy. 


Q: What did you need most from your family, friends and co-workers?


A: Sometimes a laugh and other times a listening ear.  Knowing that my friends and family have my back, no matter what, is priceless. 


Q: How are you doing today?


A:  I’m doing good.  One day at a time.  Step by step.  I have my days where I cry and ask why me, but then I’m still here….living.  I can’t believe a year ago I was just finishing my chemo treatments. 


Q: What did you do differently the second time around?  


A: The second time around I took a leave from work.  Not having to be anywhere each day was great.  When I felt good I was able to do things that I enjoyed like go to the beach or just hang out with Family and Friends.  On the days I didn’t feel well I was able to stay in bed all day.  It was a huge difference from working during my chemo treatments the first time.       


Q: What is your best advice and encouragement for someone newly diagnosed?


A: Take a deep breath.  It’s ok to cry, shout and scream.  “You don’t know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”


Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?


A: My new life motto is:  Don’t lose Hope and hold tight to your Dreams.  Who knows what the future holds for any of us?  Hope is what gets us through and dreams are the inspiration for the journey.