Hello! I am a Young Breast Cancer Survivor in Austin, Texas. In 2009, at the age of 31, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was a young mom, and our kids were just ages 3 and 1. Luckily, the breast cancer was caught early, but the surgeries and chemo had a negative effect on my body. Today, I’m still dealing with long-term side effects. But, I’m glad to be here and use my experience to help others.
Young Breast Cancer Survivor in Austin, Texas
How did I get breast cancer?
Unfortunately, it is not known how I got cancer. There could have been a number of things, or it could have been the fact that I have a gene mutation. I tested positive for the BRCA1 (187delAG) gene mutation. That gene deals with suppressing tumors and since there is a mutation, tumors are not destroyed or prevented as they would be in someone without the gene mutation.
It’s not over…
Also, the doctors’ visits and scans continue regularly. I still have checkups with my oncologists, gynecological oncologist, rheumatologist, breast surgeon, and family doctor. Recently, I had my ovaries removed because I am BRCA1+.
I used to be just a coupon blogger in Austin, Texas. Now, I’m a breast cancer survivor that blogs about both health and happiness on a budget. I documented a lot of my breast cancer experience and often create health-related posts to help others. Since breast cancer is expensive, I put together a list of free stuff for breast cancer survivors.
If you would like to read about my journey and see some of my videos, then look below.
Thanks!
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts, prayers, messages, understanding It has meant a lot to me.
If you would like to be updated on my progress and find out more information about cancer and cancer treatments then continue to check here for the latest posts about cancer.
Young Breast Cancer Survivor in Austin, Texas
I’m a young adult, mom, breast cancer survivor living in Austin, Texas. Here are some of my breast cancer updates and videos.
- 10/25/2018 – My Laparoscopic Prophylactic Oophorectomy because of BRCA1
- 9/25/2018 – 9 Years!
- 10/1/2016 – What it’s Like to Be a Breast Cancer Survivor in October
- 9/21/16 – Breast Cancer Survivor 7 Year Cancerversary
- 9/14/2016 – Scanxiety: Tips to Deal with Cancer Anxiety
- 9/23/2015 – My Prophylactic Salpingectomy with Delayed Oophorectomy (PSDO) – Fallopian Tube Removal Option for BRCA Women to Decrease Ovarian Cancer Risk (with video)
- 3/25/2015 – BRCA Positive Breast Cancer Survivor Response to Angelina Jolie’s New York Times Article
- 10/10/2014 – It feels like the bottoms of my feet have been hit with a hammer
- 9/25/2014 – My 5 Year Cancerversary – 5 Year Breast Cancer Survivor
- 5/23/2013 – Breast Implants after Breast Cancer Mastectomy and Reconstruction, Expanders, See Scars YouTube Video
- 9/30/10 – My Cancerversary (1 Year after diagnosis) Video and Giveaway
- 7/1/10 – Breast Cancer Update – 6 Months Later (pic)
- 4/26/10 – Breast Cancer Reconstruction after Double Mastectomy (video)
- 4/7/10 – Breast Cancer Update April 2010 w/ pics
- 2/26/10 – Light at the End of the Tunnel w/ pics
- 2/15/10 – Breast Cancer Update (video) – Done with Chemo, Now What?
- 1/23/10 – Dallas Doctors
- 1/7/10 – Appointment with the Oncologist
- 12/31/09 Last Chemo and Video
- 12/30/09 – Getting Ready for Chemo #4
- 12/27/09 – Still Recovering from Chemo and Video
- 12/10/09 Chemo #3 and Video
- 12/1/09 – Sleep… Finally and Video
- 11/19/09 – Chemo #2 and Video
- 11/17/09 – Wigs and Makeup
- 11/10/09 – Video Update – My Breast Cancer Story – Diagnosis to Chemo
- 10/30/09 – The Beginning of Chemo
- 10/15/09 – Good News After Surgery
- 10/10/09 – Post Surgery
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First Update
This was my original post updating everyone on what was going on with my breast cancer diagnosis:
For those of you that don’t know what’s going on read here… otherwise, skip to the next section.
The lump
A few weeks ago I noticed a lump. A few different doctors all thought it was just a cyst. My ob/gyn said to wait a few weeks and see if it went away. Since breast cancer runs in the family, my parents insisted I get it checked out sooner. I went to have the cyst aspirated (drained), but when it wouldn’t drain a biopsy was done. Even then, the surgeon said not to worry, it was probably just tissue that needed to be removed. To everyone’s surprise, I got the dreaded news on Friday, September 25. All they knew at that point was that the lump was cancerous. Other test results were still pending.
Thankfully, we were able to get an appointment with a top breast surgeon at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas on Thursday 10/1. So, we all made the trip to Dallas for what we thought would just be a consultation. We had a very long day that Thursday. We met with various doctors, and I had a lot of tests done. Overall, we were very impressed with everything and decided to go ahead and have surgery in Dallas.
Luckily, the cancer was only on one side, but we (and the doctors) decided the best thing in my case was to have a double mastectomy. Most likely, I have the BRCA1 gene mutation which gives me a 50% chance of getting cancer again on the other side. Since I’m young (31) the doctors told me that surgery (rather than just a lumpectomy) would give me peace of mind for the future.
Then, they were able to quickly fit me in for surgery on Monday (10/5). So, 10 days after getting the bad news I was at the hospital having the surgery. Even though it seemed like such a whirlwind, I am glad we got things moving so quickly.
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Let’s talk
If you have any questions, want to talk, or know someone in my similar situation then please leave a comment or email me.
Breast Cancer is Expensive!
Even with insurance, the bills add up. Yes, we were able to take advantage of the Affordable Care Act and get insurance, but I have high deductibles. In network, the cost is $6000 per person and out of network is the same. Most likely we will come close to, or even surpass the deductibles this year.
This year, my goal is to raise $12,000 to cover my medical costs. If there is any overage, then I will donate amounts over the goal to local non-profits here in Austin that have helped us along the way.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and maybe even donate. If you have any questions, then please feel free to reach out.
– Rachel