Blessed Beyond Measure

Michelle’s Story

Written by: Michelle Teems

The words “breast cancer” still seem so strange to say about myself, but those words are exactly where my journey begins. At 36yrs old, I had a screening mammogram at the recommendation of my family doctor during my yearly appointment. I had no symptoms- no lumps, bumps or skin changes and I have no family history, but I agreed to have the mammogram anyway. I have worked in the healthcare field for more than ten years, and I understand the importance of screening and preventative medicine. Never in a million years would I think this screening mammogram would have saved my life, but that’s exactly what happened.

The mammogram results came back abnormal, and I was called back for additional images which confirmed abnormal calcifications in the right breast. The breast center staff was wonderful, and I had an immediate biopsy. I was truly in denial those next few days, waiting on the results because I just didn’t think it was possible for me at my age to have breast cancer. Boy was I wrong! On October 1st, ironically the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I received the call that no one expects, my diagnosis of Ductal Carcinoma in situ. To say I was in shock is an understatement, and it took a few days for it to really sink in. I then had genetic testing, a breast MRI, met with my surgeon, established a treatment plan. Ductal Carcinoma in situ is a very early breast cancer and is categorized as a stage 0, so my treatment plan and prognosis were very good. I had a lumpectomy and was scheduled to start radiation and meet with my oncologist to start tamoxifen when my world got turned upside down. My genetic screening test was positive for a mutation in the BRCA1 gene! Again, I was in shock, but I was more confused, angry, and in denial because I don’t have any family history of breast or ovarian cancer. BRCA stands for the Breast Cancer gene which helps to prevent breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA1 gives a woman an 87% lifetime chance of developing breast cancer and 40% chance of developing ovarian cancer. I couldn’t get over the 87% increased risk and the high risk of recurrence that comes with being BRCA1. As a mother of twin 6yr old boys, my concern was for them! I wanted to protect them from my cancer journey, an increased risk of recurrence, or worse, them not having their mom at all. I was no longer at peace with my conservative treatment plan, and I went back to have a serious discussion with my surgeon and oncologist. It took two months of praying, crying, confusion, seeking answers, and contemplating options before I made the decision to undergo a bilateral mastectomy which would ultimately reduce my risk of breast cancer by 90%. I met with a breast surgeon and reconstructive plastic surgeon in Atlanta and instantly knew I had made the right decision.

On March 4th, I had my bilateral mastectomy with expander reconstruction and walked into that OR in complete peace with my decision. Four months later, on July 17th, I had my second surgery to complete the reconstruction phase. The past several months have been hard physically and emotionally, but I feel so blessed and thankful for where this journey has led me. I have heard many times since my diagnosis that if I had waited until I was 40 to have the screening mammogram the diagnosis would not have been as favorable, and I would have never known my BRCA status. The sequence of events that has led me to where I am now can only be explained by 3 letters... GOD. He has had his hand in every aspect of my cancer journey and has strengthened my faith, has provided for me, brought the right people in my life at the perfect time, and continues to love me and guide my steps. I pray that He uses me and my journey to help others with their cancer journey, encourage women to get their yearly mammograms, and help bring awareness to the community about BRCA and breast cancer.

“He has had his hand in every aspect of my cancer journey and has strengthened my faith, has provided for me, brought the right people in my life at the perfect time, and continues to love me and guide my steps.”

I am so thankful for my primary care doctor for ordering my mammogram, for Joy at the Breast Center for listening to me cry and answering my questions, for Dr. Brock for guiding me and supporting me in my treatment, for Dr. Dillmon for the support and advice, for Dr. Blake for listening and supporting me, for Laura for being my angel and rescuing me during the difficult times and for her friendship, for the amazing Breastie Community for their insight and support, for my family, work family, and friends for their love and support, for Brody & Brycen—you are my heart and the reason I have fought and done everything I can to beat & prevent this, and last but not least, my amazing husband for loving me unconditionally, for being my very best friend, for his understanding, patience and being by my side every step of the way— I could have never done this without you.