Navigating a Stage 2A Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Hair Loss and Decisions

At the age of 32, I received a diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2A. At the time, I was single, living in Manhattan and enjoying a vibrant life filled with regular exercise and healthy eating. During my annual examination at Murray Hill OBGYN, a nurse practitioner discovered the first lump. She sent me to have a mammogram and sonogram; they told me to come back in six months. The nurse practitioner thankfully was not happy with that response. This prompted a referral to Dr. Plesser, a radiologist, where I underwent numerous mammograms, sonograms and several biopsies.

Ultimately, I was informed that I had three lumps in my right breast. Two were classified as stage 0 and non-invasive, but the third raised significant concern. Unfortunately, my doctor could not perform a biopsy on this lump due to severe soreness, bleeding and bruising in the area. While I was somewhat prepared for the diagnosis, the thought that my cancer might have spread was overwhelming, especially considering my family history — both my grandmothers had battled breast cancer. My mind raced as I was advised to consult a genetic counselor and confront a life-altering decision: Should I opt for a bilateral mastectomy or a double mastectomy? After careful consideration, I chose the bilateral mastectomy and tested negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

During my surgery, expanders were placed to facilitate future reconstructive surgery. However, I learned that my cancer had metastasized to one lymph node. The prospect of hair loss and the potential inability to have children weighed heavily on my mind. Faced with yet another decision, I struggled to accept how drastically my life had changed due to this diagnosis, alongside fertility concerns and the urgent need to find an oncologist. After consulting with a fertility specialist, I was presented with three options: egg freezing, embryo freezing or the uncertain hope of having children after treatment.

Despite my deep desire for children, I felt overwhelmed. At that time, egg freezing seemed too risky, and without a significant other, I was reluctant to freeze embryos. I sought guidance from my oncologist, Dr. Klein, who reassured me that healthy women find ways to have children. My treatment plan involved eight rounds of chemotherapy (ACT). I was warned that my hair would begin to fall out the day before my second treatment. Sure enough, while showering the night before, strands of hair started to come out. The following day, as I walked around the city with my father, clumps of hair were shedding, and I felt humiliated as it fell onto my dinner plate. That weekend, I faced the heart-wrenching reality of shaving my head, which marked one of the darkest days of my life.

I purchased wigs to maintain a semblance of normalcy, but the struggle was real; I felt I could no longer run to the gym or venture out without my wig, leaving me feeling vulnerable and afraid. No one can truly comprehend what it’s like to be a woman facing breast cancer — navigating hair loss, saline injections, chemotherapy, breast removal and early menopause, along with the myriad complications and side effects of treatment. It is an exhausting, challenging and profoundly unfair experience. The silver lining, however, is that I persevered. Although I think about my breast cancer journey every single day, wondering if it will recur, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the unwavering support of my family and friends during that tumultuous time.

Fast forward 20 years, I am cancer-free and a proud mother to an almost 16-year-old son. Remarkably, I was able to conceive without the assistance of a fertility specialist. I took tamoxifen for a total of ten years, pausing it at one point to pursue pregnancy. I am truly blessed with a wonderful life.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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