Twelve days since I went in for a bilateral mastectomy. In that time, I’ve experienced fear, vulnerability, surprise, and yes, a bit of pain. But I’ve also experienced love, deepened family bonds, friendship, and new perspective.

I’ve written pages of thoughts and detailed accounts of this journey, but now, just twelve days out, so much of it already feels fleeting. In these days, I’ve laughed so hard with my husband that my chest literally hurt 😂, and I’ve felt a whole new level of closeness with some family members 😳.

I’ve also cried, deep, ugly cries, and there were days when I just wanted to sulk and hide 😭. At one point, the emotional overwhelm was so intense, it literally doubled the fluid output from my drains and darkened the color. And as my emotions settled, the output decreased and the color lightened. The doctors say the drains don’t lie. They’re still in, but improving daily. I’m very much looking forward to getting rid of these little body accessories. 🪢

A few key lessons for those following this journey:

1. Trust your gut.
When the surgeon reviewed my images with me (not all do), I pointed out something on my left breast, even though cancer had only been confirmed in the right. That gut feeling led me to keep my second opinion appointment. 💓

2. Get a second opinion.
The radiologists at the second location saw something the first team didn’t. Since both teams were recommending a bilateral mastectomy, they wouldn’t biopsy beforehand, but the new team recommended removing the left lymph node as a precaution. 🩻

3. Choose a surgeon without ego.
When I brought the new information to my original surgeon, she reviewed the notes, thought it through with me, and adjusted the surgical plan to remove the left lymph node too. 👩‍⚕️

Then came the pathology report.

It turns out my left breast had DCIS Grade 3, a form of cancer with a high mitotic rate that grows quickly, is more likely to return after surgery, and has a higher chance of turning invasive.
That’s more aggressive than what was found on the right.

I thought about removing that quote from the American Cancer Society because it sounds so harsh. But it’s the reality. It will be acknowledged, and now dismissed, as I manifest the outcome I want. 💪

Fun fact:
Bilateral breast cancer occurs in only 1 to 3% of all cases.
We live that rare life here in the Boyer household. 🦁

Had I not followed lessons 1 through 3, I’d be heading back in for another surgery right now to remove that lymph node, and it would be much harder to find, since the mastectomy would’ve severed the connections used to locate the sentinel node.

The good news:

• I am alive and well. That might seem obvious, but surgery is never a small thing. I’m incredibly grateful.
• My lymph nodes and margins are clear. The cancer did not spread. I am currently cancer free. 🙌
• I am feeling stronger every day as I recover. 🧎‍♀️❤️‍🩹

What’s next:

• Meet with oncologists to determine if any further treatment is necessary 🥼
• Research how DPD deficiency (an enzyme issue that affects how the body processes some medications, including certain chemos) may impact treatment options 👩‍💻
• Have faith in choosing the right team and plan moving forward 🙏
• Fill these expanders, complete two more surgeries, and undergo badass reconstruction 💃
• Remain cancer FREE ⚕️
• Enjoy every single day 😊⛵️
  Create a legacy 📝🗣️

One day, I’ll look back and realize the fear wasn’t as scary as it felt in the moment, and the pain will be a distant memory. But what will remain are the memories, the love I felt from those around me, and the example I set for my family.

Thank you to the strong women who’ve walked this path before me. Your strength has carried me through more than you know.

“Be strong. You never know who you’re inspiring.”

We are made from grit.