October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States after skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in
women. Breast cancer can occur in both men and
women, but it's far more common in women.
In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States. Unfortunately 42,170 of those women are expected to die in 2020 from breast cancer.
I had the honor to interview my friend, Tami Weitzman, on her journey with breast cancer. Her story is one of courage, determination and strength. Here is what she had to say:
When were you diagnosed and at what age?
I was diagnosed in July of 2017 at the age of 44 years old.
What was your official diagnosis?
My diagnosis was triple negative breast cancer stage 3B
How was the cancer initially detected?
I felt a lump and went for a mammogram and then a biopsy.
How did you feel when you first received the news?
When
I got the call from my doctor telling me I had cancer, I was shocked! I
didn't have a family history of breast cancer. I was in the best shape
of my life. I lived a healthy lifestyle.
I
have three children and I waited to find out my treatment plan before
telling them. It was scary at first because my tumor was large. Once I
met my oncologist and had a treatment plan, I felt more reassured. He
told me he was treating me for "cure." Not every cancer patient gets
that prognosis.
Did you have a support network?
My Riverdale
community where I live, supported me with meals and play dates for my
kids, as well as rides to treatments as did my sister and my extended
family. I was really exhausted after long days at the hospital so when
people took over driving and cooking and other parent related duties it
was a big help.
Tell me about your treatment process.
I
was treated by 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 25 radiation sessions. A
bilateral mastectomy with tissue ex-panders for breast reconstruction
& an exchange reconstruction surgery with breast implants.
Were there any programs or services offered to you that helped with the treatment process?
I contacted Sharsheret (a Hebrew word for "chain") which is an organization helping Jewish women facing breast and ovarian cancer. They
match you with a breast cancer survivor who had the same type of
cancer. We spoke on the phone and we texted on a regular basis. She
was there to support me in any way that I needed. It was helpful to
have someone like that to ask questions, and support me emotionally.
Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how did you overcome these obstacles?
I
lost my hair, eyelashes and eyebrows during chemo. I was fatigued, but
I continued to exercise during chemo. I had been kickboxing and
strength training before my diagnosis so I continued to do so.
Workouts
were definitely harder, but they prevented many side effects of
chemotherapy so I continued. Exercise helped me mentally as well,
especially boxing.
Dealing
with cancer plus insurance companies, medical bill, doctors
appointments, and pharmacies is extremely frustrating and having an
outlet for the stress was priceless.
I was
lucky to have great surgeons and though there was a lot of pain
post-surgery, I focused on my recovery. Physical therapy is a must, and
not enough surgeons recommend it. With the help of my PT I gained most
of my range of motion back which was really important for me as a
personal trainer and coach.
And
then, there was Radiation - Lets not sugarcoat it ---- it SUCKED! It
felt like a full time job. You have to do it everyday and it takes a
toll on your body. I did get burns toward the end, and used the creams
that were prescribed. My radiation team was great, and made me as
comfortable as possible, but nothing about that whole process was easy.
I found that the practice of meditation and breathing techniques were
very helpful while lying on the table. I really recommend it.
What I learned from my breast cancer diagnosis is to take it one day at a time - so
you don't get overwhelmed. There is so much to process and be afraid of - but I refused to allow my mind to go to a dark and catastrophic place.
you don't get overwhelmed. There is so much to process and be afraid of - but I refused to allow my mind to go to a dark and catastrophic place.
I set a goal to just get through one day at a time. One obstacle at a time. One treatment at a time.
I have known Tami for 6 years. We used to attend the same local gym. I want to thank Tami for sharing her story on this site. I wish her nothing but the best that life has to offer. I am so very proud of you Tami.
My
best friend who is also a breast cancer survivor advised me to make a
photo journal and record my experience. Writing things down and taking
pictures helps when you want to look back and see how far you've come.
For women who are reading my story on this blog - I want to say "keep up with your screenings."
I
got yearly mammograms, and I still managed to have an aggressive stage 3
breast cancer. So don't skip mammograms, and if you feel a lump get it
checked and don't wait.
The
last thing I want to say is If you are dealing with a cancer diagnosis
of any kind stay positive. Modern medicine is great, but a fighter's
mindset will get you through it.
Editor's Note: Tami Weitzman is a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer, and a Boxing/Kickboxing instructor. You can find Tami on IG at @tami_training.
I have known Tami for 6 years. We used to attend the same local gym. I want to thank Tami for sharing her story on this site. I wish her nothing but the best that life has to offer. I am so very proud of you Tami.
The above article was written originally for A New Camino
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