I was diagnosed with clinical stage II HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer Grade 2 IDC in November 2021 at UCSF Mission Bay Cancer Center. I also enrolled in a clinical cancer trial, however, the suggested randomization that was selected required radiation and chemotherapy.
My Oncologist Dr. Melanie Majure stated that it would cause over-treatment and would not be necessary. Since diagnosis, I have been in and out of the hospital for 7 months for tests, lab work, CT, MRI, and emergency visits.
I started my neoadjuvant chemotherapy in January 2022 to do 4 rounds of Taxotere/Cytoxan infusion every 21 days. Chemotherapy is not easy, there were times I wanted to just give up and not continue treatment. I continued to fight as I could not leave my children as they needed their mother.
On April 22, 2022, I had a bilateral mastectomy, lymph nodes removed, breast tissue expanders placed, 4 jp drains placement, and breast reconstruction. Pathology report (Pathology report received 5/4) reported there are still cancer cells in my right breast; Oncologist Dr. Majure is recommending Hormonal treatment to start in June 2022.
This has been a physically painful process as I am on pain meds 24 hours a day and mentally draining during this time.
In May 2022, it was discovered that I had an infection, and returned to the hospital. I have a Bone XRI Bone Density test), to see if I still need additional chemotherapy and or radiation. Once the tubes are out, I will be going to the hospital weekly for saline injections in my breast area.
In November of 2022, I had a planned minor surgery to remove my right breast expander as the saline was leaking, in addition to that I also for caution, I removed my ovaries and fallopian tubes. During surgery, it was discovered that I was full of infection. I had 2 surgeons Dr. Piper and Dr. Goldman. I was admitted to the hospital for the next 9 days as my surgery was supposed to be an outpatient.
n addition to physical therapy, I have been advised to work on reducing weight, as it will have better results and less stress on my body. I am committed to losing 30-40 lbs by the time I read for surgery. I have been working out daily and it has made a difference.
I have been frequently going to my doctor’s appointments and continuing to do self-care and keep a positive outlook.
I fought cancer and will continue.
I refuse to have cancer own me and I feel I am clear. I putting it out there!
Once I can have the next step of having abdominal diep flap surgery to remove tissues and use them for my breast reconstruction. My surgery has been delayed until February 2024.
It’s been challenging with both of my children Brooke 17, a senior at Lincoln High School, and Jordan 20 who is at his 3rd USF Business School. As the main and sole provider for my children, we dealt with financial hardship and we are fortunate to have KW Cares and the Real Estate community help us during the difficult times.
During my cancer treatment, I continued to work and assist my clients. Some clients knew, some didn’t. This journey created a different outlook on life. I am focused on my self-care, enjoying life more, taking things one day at a time, and not getting mad or upset at things that are just temporary.
I am blessed to be given another opportunity to be alive. I want to continue to serve my clients. I told my business partner Michael Minson, “I am not ready to die yet, we have families to help grow wealth through real estate and we have houses to sell”.
Since November 2021, I have risen to all challenges and obstacles. I am better, stronger, in physical shape, spiritually working on my faith and relationship with God, and consistently learning to improve in business and personally. To kick off 2024, my family deserved to go on vacation, as we haven’t had an opportunity to travel since my past C word diagnosis, I have been reminded not to give it power, so I removed it from my vocabulary.
Recently my family and I spent 12 days In Tokyo, Japan. It was exciting to enjoy a new culture as it was our first time visiting. I was taught by my daughter about culture, etiquette, phase words, bowing, and what to do and not to do. We enjoyed the food, drinks, dining, traveling on trains, walking endlessly, thrifting, shopping, visiting must-see areas, and most of all the time together. I must say, the US Dollar went a long way, as the Yen exchange was 148 yen to the US dollar. Yes, the 24-hour convenience stores do have great food.
As we move forward, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and trust. Your partnership and friendship mean the world to me. If you’re planning any real estate ventures or if anything is exciting happening in your life, I’d love to hear about it. Remember, whether it’s buying, selling, or investing in real estate, I’m here to support your dreams with the same resilience and dedication I’ve carried through my journey.
Thank you for taking the time to be part of my story. Your understanding, support, and referrals are not just appreciated; they are a source of strength and inspiration.
Minna Millare, Residential Specialist
