Amy & Sean before her diagnosis

Amy L. was 30 years old when she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in September 2010. Rewind to April 2010, Amy and her boyfriend had just purchased their first home with plans of marriage and building a family together, but those dreams were soon put on hold when she felt a lump in her breast shortly after their big move.Amy never dreamed the lump would be cancerous, she was only 30 years old with big plans for the future and no family history to warrant alarm. Even her gynecologist agreed, telling her not to worry, she was too young for cancer. Regardless of age, the doctor did send Amy for an ultrasound and needle biopsy of the mass, both which came back negative. However, the surgeon who performed the biopsy stated that the cells were “active”, so Amy opted for a lumpectomy to be safe (in September 2010). “I recommend women do what feels right for them, the doctor is not always right,” Amy says. The lumpectomy saved Amy’s life, but she didn’t know that at the time. Her surgery was on a Friday and she was already feeling pretty good by Monday, so it looked like blue skies were ahead of her and she could start focusing on plans of a family and building a life with her boyfriend Sean.

Amy & childhood friends at a benefit

It was that Monday when the phone rang, Amy sitting on her couch at the time never expected the news she got. Her surgeon had called, advising Amy that she needed to come into the office the next day. As many women would, Amy told the doctor she needed to know what was wrong, why was she needed at the office so quickly. It was then she heard the dreaded words no one ever expects to hear, “You have breast cancer.” At that moment Amy knew her life would change dramatically, she knew at that moment it didn’t matter what plans she had made. Crying, Amy went upstairs to her boyfriend Sean, who was in bed and unable to move due to injuring his back the previous day. As Amy laid there crying Sean knew without event having to ask, and they laid there together, crying and hugging for hours. Later that day she called her family and closest friends, who all responded with the same sadness and tears.Scared and overwhelmed, Amy went to the surgeon the next day to discuss treatment options and to receive her official diagnosis. She had stage 2 breast cancer that was Her2 negative. “I was so scared. I though I had been given a death sentence. I was worried I would never be able to have a family. I had thoughts of every bad scenario I could possibly think of . I also didn’t know how many different kinds of breast cancer existed; I never thought cancer would happen to me.”

Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk 2011

Just one week after Thanksgiving Amy began chemotherapy. She endured six treatments of ACT (chemotherapy), recalling the sickness that followed. “I usually went to sleep after chemo and when I woke up the puking would start. The pain usually started after 2 days. I never imagined pain like that, joint pain, throwing up, and feeling exhausted all the time yet not being able to sleep. One day the joint pain was so bad I had to crawl downstairs to find Sean to help me. It makes me sad thinking of the pain I went through.”

Amy had cut her hair short when she started chemo, admiring her always long hair she says “I never liked short hair but it’s a small price to pay for having your life.” Exactly 15 days after chemo began Amy lost her hair. She said that it was painful and she wanted it gone ASAP, so she went to the barber shop across the street from her home. Sean said he would shave her head for her, but it was just too hard for him. Amy remembers two young men in the barber shop, cheering her on saying “You go girl” as she had her entire head shaved. “It was kind of funny and liberating,” she recalls.

Amy at her last chemotherapy treatment

Afterward her husband (She and Sean married in December 2010) called her GI Jane telling her she looked hot, which made Amy feel better. It was the little moments like that, that helped Amy get through the toughest of times. That and good friends, like her friend Barb who has been one of her biggest supporters and breast cancer advocates all along.

2010 ended on a happy note for Amy, as she and Sean got married by a Justice of the Peace in early December (one week after her first chemo). “We had a few friends over when we got married. Not the wedding day I pictured, but it didn’t matter because I was marrying the love of my life. I am blessed to have a great man who loves me especially through the hardest time of my life and I knew he would be by my side.”

In May 2011 Amy decided to have a bi-lateral mastectomy, being one of the hardest decisions shes made. Amy has no regrets, believing it was one of the best decisions she as ever made and that she was doing everything she could to keep the cancer away. In September 2011 she had reconstruction of the breasts done and she is happy to say she loves her new breasts. “You can always replace your breasts, but not your life,” she reminds women.

Amy & Sean today

Today is August 30th, 2012 and she has been in remission since April 2011. This cancer journey has not been easy but Amy calls herself a fighter, and she’s not going to let cancer get her down. Amy’s had a lot of ups and downs during her battle with breast cancer, but she’s also met some amazing people along the way. “I believe everything happens for a reason, and maybe my reason is to help other young survivors. Cancer has made me a stronger person and I am thankful to be alive. Focus on the positive things in your life and you can get through cancer. I have a new normal and I am ok with that. It’s not easy all of the time but I appreciate waking up everyday more now then ever.”

In the future Amy hopes to be able to have children, and live the life she dreamed of back in April 2010 before her journey with cancer began. The doctors have advised her to wait until April 2013 to try to have children, so waiting she is. In the meantime, Amy meets with a great group of ladies once a month at Fox Chase Cancer Center’s breast cancer support group. “They are the strongest women I have ever met; They mean so much to me,” she says.

If there is anything Amy can share  with young women battling through breast cancer, it’s that “It is not the end of the road. Stay positive and keep positive people around you and remember you have to take care of you.” Well said Amy.

Amy and friends at a benefit held for her

Meet our other Happening Survivors: Kristie P., Michelle E., Tiffany, Jodi and Michell.

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