Kelly Taylor

Living with MBC

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In 2013 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. Both the surgery and radiation treatment were easy and not really painful at all. I was very lucky.

Seven years later I started feeling nauseated after eating lunch and so I saw my PCP to request a CT on my abdomen. That CT showed something abnormal on my liver. Two MRIs and a biopsy later it was determined in August 2020 that I had metastatic breast cancer on my liver. I was at work when I heard the news, “It’s mets”, and collapsed to the ground in hysterics. I assumed that this was a death sentence. I’m a single mom of two teenaged daughters, and could only think of them losing their mom.

The good news is that after seeing my oncologist I learned that many people live with MBC for years. It’s almost considered a chronic illness rather than a death sentence. I received 12 chemo treatments and then my PET scan showed no more cancer in my liver! I’m now in remission and taking chemo meds.

One thing that helped me was NOT Googling MBC and scaring the crap out of myself. I also try to stay as positive as possible, even though we all have bad days. I meditate every day and appreciate all that I have right now. I am blessed to have lots of love and support from family and friends.