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‘I have learned to love myself again’

Laurie Mullins’s survivor story

MY HEALTH CHALLENGE

I was diagnosed on Nov. 17, 2023, with ductal carcinoma after having my annual mammogram on Oct. 30. I felt a lump a week prior but wasn’t worried because I have had lumps show up in the past on almost every mammogram I’ve had. However, this one was different. The tech took several pictures and said something looked different compared to the previous year’s checkup.

I had an ultrasound the next day, and the radiologist told me when I asked that it looked suspicious. The day after that, I was scheduled for a biopsy but still didn’t think anything was wrong. I asked the doctor doing the biopsy what he thought, and he said, “I think you have a 50% chance of having breast cancer.” The radiologist who did the biopsy called me the next morning and said, “Ms. Mullins, you do have breast cancer.”

MY APPROACH

I still did not believe that I had breast cancer. I always have been healthy and taken care of myself. I was in shock and scared. After the shock wore off, my mindset was, “I am going to beat this!”

Mullins being prepped for her double mastectomy

MY TREATMENT

I was so blessed to be at stage one. The cancer was in my right breast, but the decision was made to do a double mastectomy, as this type of breast cancer can return. My surgery was on Dec. 13, 2023. They also took my lymph nodes.

THE HARDEST PART

The hardest part was not knowing the outcome. At this point, we did not know if I would need chemo. Surgery came first, then the oncologist. My oncologist was wonderful and assured me that I did not need chemo due to the breast being fully removed. I do, however, need to take a pill daily for at least 10 years to prevent the cancer from recurring. The most rewarding part was my surgeon calling me two days after surgery to tell me the cancer was gone. I had a great surgeon!

WHAT LIFE IS LIKE NOW

Well, it took me a while to get used to having no breasts and adapt to my “new” body. I did get depressed after my surgery because I felt so unlike myself. It’s hard to explain that, yes, I am cancer free, but look at me …. It wasn’t easy.

Mullins at the gym for the first time after her surgery

I am so blessed and thank God every day that I beat this. I could be telling a whole different story, but I’m so thankful I get to tell this story.

HOW THIS EXPERIENCE CHANGED ME

Mullins’s daughter took her to get her nails done a few weeks after her mastectomy.

When I got the call that I had cancer, the only thing I could think of was my family. I knew I had to tell my kids, and that was scary. My husband was so supportive, and I couldn’t have gotten through this without him and my family. I am most proud that I was able to keep my spirits up and went to the gym daily and tried to keep up with a normal routine. I was so thankful for everything in life and realized so much is taken for granted. I have learned to love myself again, and now the fear has lessened.

MY ADVICE TO OTHERS

First, I tell every woman I know to get her mammogram! This is normally a free annual test, and it literally saved my life. I prayed daily and asked God to comfort me and my family. It never leaves your mind, and I think about it every day. I was one of the fortunate ones who came through this and lived to tell my story.

I started reconstructive surgery in July. This is the most uncomfortable surgery and process, and it has been a challenge. I hope to be done in the next few months.

I sometimes feel guilty that I came out of this like I did because it’s so hard watching women who have the double mastectomy and still must undergo chemo and radiation. I am so blessed and thank God every day that I beat this. I could be telling a whole different story, but I’m so thankful I get to tell this story.

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