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THREAD: Friends, I have some news. I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer and had my first chemo infusion yesterday morning. I’m feeling pretty well, all things considered, and I’ll be able to work during these 12 weeks of chemo, with full support from my doctor to do so.
I’m 42, and this is the result I got when I did a breast cancer risk calculator at a regular check-up with my primary care doc last fall.
But here’s the thing about percentages—you either 100% have it or you 100% don’t. It’s not like you get 0.9% cancer. I found a small, pea-sized lump in early February, which kicked off a series of appointments and tests.
So consider this your public heath reminder for the value of self exams. I didn’t ever feel sick or in pain or have any sort of other indication something was amiss. And honestly, I still feel fine.
The diagnosis process was stressful and involved SO MUCH WAITING, but I was able to keep doing all my usual activities, so that was a big help. My boys are always happy to keep me very busy!
My mom was diagnosed w/colon cancer when I was 16 (she was 44), and she had surgery and chemo and made a full recovery. I am so lucky she can take me to appointments, etc. And I’ve seen firsthand how someone can navigate cancer treatment, working, and being a mother all at once.
Everyone at @lernerbooks has been so supportive, as have family, friends, and neighbors. My sister is an internist at a clinic and keeps wanting to buy me things, such as these adorable masks, but the best thing she does is to read my lab reports and explain them!
I’m going to lose my hair. That doesn’t mean I’m dying or that the cancer is especially bad; it just means that the chemo is doing its job. I’ll have surgery after chemo ends—likely mid-summer. My prognosis is very good, and the doctors say their goal is to cure the cancer.
I wanted to keep things quiet until a treatment plan was in place, and it’s a huge relief to finally be able to share what’s going on. I will mostly still be tweeting about books, but I don’t want to pretend on social media that this isn’t happening.
Finally, I’d like to share a poem that I came across recently and that resonated with me. I hope it speaks to you too. 
Thank all of those who have read this full thread and thank you to everyone has already sent a message of support—I cherish every single one!
