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We often think about breast cancer as a disease that affects women over 40.  How could a woman get breast cancer earlier?  Surely not - especially since we’re taught to have our baseline mammogram at age 40.  In the next installment of "Breast Cancer Survivors:  The Power of Sharing", QVC’s own dear, sweet, Amy, was diagnosed (much like me) within days of her coming to Q.  Unlike me, she was and is 26.  Amy is in the midst of her battle.

Amy’s Story

Q: How long ago did you learn you had breast cancer?

A: March 2013

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

A: The type of cancer I have is Her2 Neu positive/ Stage 1

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

A: No history of breast cancer in my family

Q: You are so newly diagnosed.  May I ask your age? 

A: Yes, I am 26 years old. I found out I had cancer a couple days before my 26th birthday.

Q: How was your cancer detected? (Mammo, breast exam) 

A: I felt the lumps myself. I had one lump when I was 18 and again when I was 21, but they were benign. I found three lumps this time.

Q: What is your treatment program?

A: My treatment program is for a year and two months. Even though my cancer was diagnosed stage 1, the type of cancer I have is known to aggressively spread to other areas of my body within three years if I did not get chemotherapy. If I did not receive chemotherapy, I would have had a 30 % chance of getting cancer again in the next three years, but with chemotherapy, I only have a 10% chance.  The types of chemotherapy treatments for my type of cancer are Adriamycin and Cytoxan for the first two months then Taxol and Herceptin for the next three months and Herceptin alone for the last nine months.

Q: Did you seek a second opinion?

A: I did seek a second opinion.

Q: Are you currently on medication?

A: Currently, I am receiving the Chemotherapy Taxel and Herceptin.  My last Taxel treatment is October 17^th.  I can’t wait!!!  I then continue Herceptin every three weeks until August while receiving my surgeries.

Q: What surgeries do you have left?

A: I have three surgeries left.  Because my tumor was located close to my nipple, I have to get the first surgery to test the tissue under my nipple to make sure the cancer has not been exposed to the nipple.  If it has not, I will be receiving a Nipple Sparing Double Mastectomy followed with the third surgery of reconstruction. 

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

A: It was unsettling to lose my hair. I had extremely long hair, so I first got it all cut off to a pixie cut. Then, when it started to fall out, I had my sister buzz it off. It is something that you never really get used to.  I lost my eye lashes and eyebrows as well.  I do not feel like I look like myself anymore, so I am looking forward to when it grows back.   

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

A: I wear hats and bandanas. During the summer, it was too hot to wear a wig, so I just didn’t bother. 

Q: What is helping you get through your journey?

A: My family and friends are getting me through this journey. My two aunt's, Sue and Gail, as well as my Uncle Joe are my angels in this journey.  They have gone far and beyond for me, and I am so grateful for all they do for me.

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

A: The continued love, support, help and understanding. Everyone in my life has been really great. I have an amazing family, friends and job/coworkers. 

Q: How are you doing today?

A:  Today I am trying to stay positive and collected.

Q: How has having breast cancer changed you?

A: Breast cancer has definitely opened my eyes. It is an education.  Not only have I learned about breast cancer, but have met other patients with other types of cancers and learned about their journey.  Being on my journey and learning about what other people are going through, it makes life look and feel different. It makes me look at life more positively and makes me grateful for everything and everyone I have in my life.

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

A: The advice I have is to keep your head up and try to stay positive.  It is a lot easier said than done, but being someone who is going through this, I truly know what you’re going through.