Breast Cancer Warriors - Lisa Adams

My journey started September 2021. I had an itch and realized something was not right. On Sept. 28th, I saw my primary care doctor who sent me for a mammogram and ultrasound. Oct. 11th, I go for mammogram and ultrasound. They see some concern for biopsy. Biopsy was Oct. 27th^, which consisted of 10 locations being biopsied. On Nov. 1^st I get the news that I have Stage 1, Triple Positive IDC/DCIS Breast Cancer. Nov. 8^th, I see surgeon to find out the next steps. Nov 15^th, I see the Oncologist. Nov 19^th, I get my port placed. Nov. 22nd, I start chemo, which was 6 rounds, one every 3 weeks which ended March 11^th. April 19^th, I had a double mastectomy without reconstruction. April 25^th, I got the call that I was Cancer Free. June 22^nd, I started maintenance shots every 3 weeks for 9 months. July 22^nd, I got port removed. I started losing my hair 2 weeks after first chemo, so my daughter shaved it for me. I managed to work during chemo, only taking the days off for actual chemo. Thanks to God and my faith, I was able to keep a positive attitude through this process. I am much stronger today than I was a year ago.

I am now an advocate for Aesthetic Flat Closure, which is chest wall reconstruction, not breast reconstruction. I asked for it and repeatedly stated that I did not want reconstruction. 3 weeks after surgery, my bandages got removed and I almost cried. My surgeon stated

“I left it that way in case you want to have reconstruction later.” I wanted a One and Done surgery and now I need to have revision surgery to get the results I wanted. Society thinks we need to have fake boobs to be happy about ourselves and this is not true. There are over 9 thousand of us in a group advocating for AFC. It is much healthier for our bodies, one surgery in most cases instead of 5 to 7 to potentially end up with AFC after failed reconstructions. Breast Implant Illness is a major issue with Implants, most people get relieved of symptoms in just a few days after explanting. I am thankful I had chemo first, so I had time to do my research before I was just given breast reconstruction. Oct 7^th is International Flat Day.