Annmarie Masi | Warrior Wednesday Stories

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OSF:Tell us your personal story

A:

“Shortly after my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary, I found a gumball-sized lump in my right breast. I immediately went to my doctor, who scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound. Next, a biopsy was performed and the results indicated a malignancy. I saw a surgeon who felt I had a non-aggressive Grade 1 tumor and scheduled a lumpectomy for a few weeks later.

My mom and I weren’t confident with that treatment plan. I hadn’t seen an oncologist yet, and the lump had grown and was encompassing my entire breast. I also had a swollen lymph node under my right arm, which wasn’t biopsied.

The following week, we met with an oncologist at a
cancer center and developed a new plan. She ordered imaging of both breasts, genetic testing, a PET and a lymph node biopsy. My diagnosis changed dramatically to Stage III ductal carcinoma with lymph node invasion. The treatment plan called for 20 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, followed by a double mastectomy, 25 radiation treatments to ensure any remaining cancer cells were eliminated, hormone therapy until removal of my ovaries, and eventually reconstruction.

The chemotherapy was challenging, but I remained positive. The time flew by because I had so much support from family and friends who joined me for treatments. We referred to it as “our weekly social,” held in what became coined “the chemo lounge.”

The surgery went as planned, and the cancer in one lymph node was destroyed by chemo. The other nodes were found to be cancer-free. After the mastectomy, the breast tissue was sent to pathology and my plastic surgeon put expanders in place to prepare for implants. Most patients leave surgery in a hospital gown; I left dressed in a cow costume with four exposed udders and exclaimed, “Four teats are better than two.”

I felt confident my doctors would take care of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation, but I knew the rest was up to me. I learned to help myself by identifying what I could control. This helped me create a balance during my journey.” Masi shared her words with the Patient Resource 

OSF: When/How old were you diagnosed?

A: May 2019/42 years old

OSF: What did your support system look like?

A: It was wonderful, I went to UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and my wife, parents, sister, family, and friends all were amazing!

OSF: Did you lose your hair? How did you manage this?

A: Yes, I had a big party at a cool barbershop the night before my chemo. My wife and I cut our hair short and donated it to Locks For Love. All my family and friends wore pink wigs… I also started a posting of the party on FB and all my FB friends could attend the party!

OSF: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome?

A: Chemo, double mastectomy, radiation and reconstruction was hard but the fact that I got a massive infection in my breast tissue after the reconstruction and had toCome to grips with not having the end results that I’ve wanted. I haven’t been healing for over four months and I just had surgery to close the area, remove the tissue and cut off the skin.
OSF: If you’re a survivor, how is life now compared to life before your diagnosis?
A: I truly believe cancer was a blessing and the best thing that has ever happened to me. I think society puts negative labels on cancer such as death, fear, pain etc. We need to look at the positive aspects…love, family, laughter, staying positive, support, reinventing yourself, healthier lifestyle, peace, rest, meditation, spiritual and emotional well-being being etc…
OSF: What’s your best advice for anyone currently fighting cancer?
A: Laughter and staying positive. If your down talk to a therapist, family members or friends, find music, movies or things that make you laugh. My FB blog of my 3 year journey shows how I made everything into something funny… start laughing at the challenges. Also, find or have a good support system. Stay strong mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Drink celery juice everyday.
OSF: What does the Cure Bowl mean to you?
A: I’m a college professor, I love educating and making a difference in others lives. The Cure Bowl is a platform that offers me the opportunity to educate others about breast cancer and how to conquer it. Also, my perspectives are quite unique and I feel they can help others during their personal battles with breast cancer
OSF: Do you have an inspirational quote or words you’d like to share?
A: Your mind is a powerful weapon when fighting breast cancer, if you think pain, defeat, weakness, or negative thoughts…it’s natural but don’t get consumed in it! A positive mindset, laughter, loved ones, encouragement, support, strength, faith, hope, look at the blessings from it, humor, well-being, religion, spirituality, etc… Will conquer cancer
OSF: Anything else you would like to share?
A: Life is so precious and if your diagnosed with breast cancer take it day by day. The ultimate outcome is being healthy, boobs are just boobs…what’s important is being alive!

 

If you or a loved one have been affected by cancer and would like to share your story, please fill out this form to be considered for our next Warrior Wednesday spotlight.