Episode Synopsis:
On this episode of The Boob Report, we are visiting with Tracey Spielman, a self-professed Type A personality who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Valentine’s Day 2020 during the pandemic. She shares with us how challenging it was to deal with not only the diagnosis but the fact that she felt she had no control over what was happening to her.
Episode Guests:
Tracey Spielman
I grew up on a farm in South Dakota and attended South Dakota State University (go jackrabbits!) earning a degree in Engineering. I joined Air Force ROTC in college and served active duty for 9 years and 11 more years in the Air Force Reserves. I also work for an engineering consulting firm. I’m married with 3 teenagers… a now senior in high school and twin 8th-grade girls. All of these experiences made me extra strong…or so I thought. I was diagnosed with HER 2 positive (actually triple positive) Breast Cancer on Valentine’s Day in 2020, just as COVID was hitting. As I was scheduling my routine annual mammogram, I noticed something unusual. We proceeded with the mammogram and even though my mammogram was deemed “clear” my ultrasound and subsequent biopsy confirm all 3 areas they tested - including my lymph nodes, were positive. I was hysterical; this was not part of my plan. I immediately started chemo in an effort to shrink the tumors, then had a double mastectomy. I did not have a complete response, so I continued with 14 more Kadcyla infusions followed by 7 weeks of radiation, then reconstruction and fat grafting. It’s definitely a marathon vs a sprint, which is not what I wanted to hear, but having a good plan in place has really helped me navigate and stay focused and strong. And while I’m still a huge planner and worrier, this bump has taught me to focus more on today and to celebrate the small victories along the way.
MUSIC CREDIT
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A Happy Smile On Your Face by MusicLFiles
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7983-a-happy-smile-on-your-face
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license