Meet Amy. Amy was a successful medical imaging x-ray
technologist in Milwaukee County until she was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma
at 40 years old. At first, the shape of her lump reminded her of a cyst she had
at the age of 16, so she was convinced it was the same thing and did not go in
for any tests. However, after some time she decided to go in for a checkup.
According to her doctors, this type of cancer would have been difficult to
detect in a mammogram, and Amy may have been living with cancer for two years
before receiving treatment. Amy had no children and some distant family history
of breast cancer.
While going through chemotherapy, Amy had a terrible
reaction that caused her to gain a large amount of weight. The doctors stopped
chemotherapy treatment for her and she chose to get both of her breasts
removed. Radiation caused brutal burns on Amy’s body and she was admitted to
burn care. After that, the hyper-baric chamber treatments took over her life,
five days a week for three months. Unable to work, Amy began to struggle
mentally.
Amy battled with depression throughout most of her life, but
when diagnosed with breast cancer as she had to choose between treatment for
her mental illness and treatment for her cancer. While trying to stay positive
about herself and her life, she could not help but think “I was beautiful and
positive and had a lot going for me and then this happened.”
The cancer spread to her lymph nodes and the medical costs
began to multiply. Amy was placed on Tamoxifen by her doctors in order to keep
cancer away, but because of the side effects, including pulmonary embolism,
blood clots in her lungs, she is considerably ill. Because of this, Amy now has
to receive shots to prevent the growth of blood clots and is taking blood
thinners.
Amy has very little of a support system and often isolates herself
from others. She is covered in bruises and some days will have seven or eight
doctor’s appointments. Because of her inability to work, Amy was in dire need
of financial support. Through her personal research, Amy learned about Susan G.
Komen.
Although she remains financially unstable and struggling
emotionally and physically with her health, Amy recognizes that those diagnosed
with breast cancer need to “remain positive. Know you are strong. If you have
the will to live, you will beat it.” Through it all, she is still able to say
“Negativity is not going to take you anywhere. It’s about your attitude.”
