Melody’s Story with Triple Negative Breast Cancer
My name is Melody Wasson and I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer June 12th, 2008. I was only 28 years old. I knew my chances of developing breast cancer one day was a strong possibility. My great-grandmother passed away from breast cancer in her 40’s and at the young age of 35, my mother was diagnosed. Thankfully, she is a 20 year survivor. Knowing my family history, I had my first mammogram at 25 years old. At age 26, I had my first child. Knowing that my husband and I wanted to add to our family, I felt it was necessary to get another mammogram prior to getting pregnant again. So, in May of 2008 I scheduled my second mammogram. Prior to this, I had been doing monthly self exams. Two weeks before my appointment, I felt a lump in my right breast. Because of my family history, I found this to be alarming, but still thought there was no way possible it could be breast cancer. The mammogram and biopsy that followed confirmed my worst fear. I had breast cancer. After my diagnosis, I was consumed with doctor’s appointments. I decided right away that I would beat this just as my mom had and that I would be more aggressive than the cancer.
Shortly after my diagnosis I was tested for the breast cancer gene. I tested positive for the BRCA 1, Knowing that my odds for breast cancer were so high, I decided to take drastic steps to ensure that I would never have to face breast cancer again. I was not going to allow breast cancer to take my life. I had a daughter that needed her mother and a husband that needed his wife. On July 16th, 2008, I had a bilateral mastectomy. Thankfully, it was determined at that time that my cancer had not spread beyond the breast. Because of my young age and the aggressiveness of my cancer, it was decided that I needed chemotherapy which I began in August. I had a total of 8 treatments every two weeks for 16 weeks. Although each treatment was hard on my body and there were times that I wanted to give up, I knew that I was going to prevail and beat breast cancer. Shortly after my last chemotherapy treatment, I had my reconstruction surgery. After my surgery I felt as if I had read the last chapter of a long book. My journey with breast cancer was over and I had survived. Praise God!
Throughout my battle with breast cancer, I knew I had the power to impact other young women facing the same thing I was. The day after my diagnosis I created a blog. The blog was designed to document every aspect of my journey. I wanted a place to share my story and an opportunity to give other women hope in a time of such despair. Now that my journey with breast cancer is complete, I want to be that source of encouragement that I desperately needed when I was first diagnosed. I thank God everyday for healing me and I pray that one day there will be a cure. God Bless!
Melody Wasson
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Beautifully written. I share the same gene and type of cancer as you, triple negative BRCA 1, hereditary on my Mother’s side. I am raising three children alone (divorced with three teens) and I know that I have them to live for and must be here.
Hello Luanne! Thank you so much for your comment. You are a true warrior! I am so glad to hear that you have fought the battle and won! Congratulations! Your children are blessed to have such a strong mother.
Melody – my cousin was just diagnosed breast cancer – two types: triple neg. and her2. She had a clear mammogram in Nov. 09 and in March 2010 she noticed pain under her arm while working out. Your story gives me hope. My cousin got very sick from her 1st chemo treatment…but wasn’t as bad w/ the 2nd. Hydrated well before it the 2nd time and went straight home to rest.
Do you have any suggestion re: diet, etc. to help her through the chemo? I know this is very aggressive and I don’t want to think about the possibility of her not beating this. She has a very positive attitude….
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Carla
Hello fellow Melody Wasson,
I must admit twas my ego that drew me to your blog.
Typed in my name looking for some editorials I’d published years back and, BAM!
I was completely moved to tears when I stumbled upon the story of your journey. Not only do we share the exact same name, my mother is a breast cancer survivor (35 years in remission. She’s 80!).
Since her original diagnosis when I was 14, I had prepared myself for the dreaded “inherited/genetic predisposition” diagnosis down the road.
Turning 49 in September and still prepared.
If indeed there is a God, may he grant me half the strength and fortitude you’ve mustered.
You, my dear Wasson, are truly an inspiration and you have made this the most unwasted time I’ve ever spent “surfing the net”. (Interestingly enough we were headed to the beach to actually surf but some thunder suggested that staying home would be more healing than any crummy day at the beach.)
Keep on keepin’ on sisterchild,
Much Regards to you and yorn,
M.J.Wasson
Melody Jean,
Thank you for your amazing comment. We have contacted Melody and she will for sure be in touch! So happy that your mother is a beautiful Survivor! Keep thinking and being positive!
Be Well,
Stacy
Hello Melody. When Stacy emailed that someone by the same name as me had left a comment, I never expected it to be someone with the same first and last name! I too have typed my name into google before just to see what would come up….so, your not the only Melody Wasson with an ego! Ha! I have always believed that everyone who comes across my blog does not do so by accident. My blog was created to bring hope and inspiration to those affected by breast cancer. As you know, that includes those who have watched their loved ones fight the battle.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I just believe that a positive attitude has a lot to do with the outcome of certain circumstances in our lives. I had a choice to make after being diagnosed. I could be mad, bitter, and feel sorry for myself; or I could choose to know that having breast cancer at a young age would open doors for me that I could have never thought possible. Two years later, I am watching those doors creep open.
May God bless your life abundantly! And…congrats to your mom on being a 35 year survivor! God is good!
Blessings!
The other Melody Wasson
Wow! We look just alike girl and I too have TNBC and am 38 was diagnosed at 37; Im at Bcancerlady@gmail.com I will have to send you a pic because we are twins! Wow!
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