The Long Road Ahead

January 21st, 2013 is the day my unforeseen journey began. It was only a week after I ran the Houston Marathon with Travis and two of my girlfriends. I felt in my prime and fueled with adrenaline!  The four of us set personal records in not so ideal conditions, but had a blast! Days after the race, I was planning my upcoming races and thinking about my next marathon in the upcoming year. Little did I know that the weeks ahead would impact my life in a major way.

God certainly works in mysterious ways. I found my lump through "divine intervention." Something told me I should do a self-exam...it had been months so figured maybe I should do one. Well, I am glad I did because that is how I discovered the lump on my right side. Quite shocked and nervous, I called my mom immediately. Of course, my mom told me what I already knew...you need to get in with your doctor ASAP! Monday January 21st I found the lump, and Wednesday the 23rd I was at my first appointment. My doctor thought it was just a fibrocystic cyst, but referred me to an imaging center because the lump was "distinct."

A week later I went to have a mammogram and ultra sound. It was a scary day for me, and I walked out of the office more scared than I'd ever been. Once my ultra sound was complete I was told I had what looked like two masses with blood flow. The doctor also mentioned it may just be a fibroadenema, but she wasn't sure and wanted me to schedule a biopsy ASAP. YIKES!! I was stunned...asked no questions, and walked out of the office. I got in my truck, called my mom, and broke down. I spoke with Travis not long after, and of course, his words to me were "it's in God's hands. We just need to keep praying."

Though I tried to stay positive, I was still worried. Later that evening, I met up with Travis for some comfort and support which included mexican food and margaritas! My parents came in that weekend, and we just kept busy.

The week of February 4, 2013 was the longest week of my life. I had my biopsy on Monday February 4, and I stayed home sleeping most of the day. I had lots of soreness and discomfort from a not so fun procedure. Come Tuesday I was still sore, but mostly anxious. I knew my results would be in sometime after 3 PM on Tuesday. Come 4 o'clock I called, and they did not have my results, so I called again around 4:45. At this point my results were in, and I was told the doctor would be calling me. I received the call about 5 minutes later....

"Clarissa, we have your results, and it is positive for cancer." My dad was upstairs, and my mom was watching TV next to me, and while I did my best to just take it in, my mom already knew. Devastated, hurt, and angry, I hung up the phone and broke into tears. All I could say to my mom was "I'm only 34 years old" and cried. My next call was to Travis. I told him the news and his response to me was "we are going to fight this."

As you can imagine, it was an emotional whirlwind. I was up...I was down...and at times, I don't even think I knew what I was feeling. At times, I had moments of grieving and being in a complete daze. The next days were long and emotional. I did not work that week, and I am so glad my principal encouraged me to stay home.

My Team

My parents and Travis were there to support me the day I received my results. I don't know how I would've handled it without them. My sister Zelina drove the same day I received the news, and my sister Michelle texted my later that evening and asked "Can I come Friday, I just want to hug your neck?!"While I felt my world was shattered, I was also beginning to feel the work of God. I am not alone...I have a team who was ready to join forces and fight this battle with me!

Two days later my sister Michelle came in to spend the weekend with me. On Saturday my brother Albert, sister-in-law Magda, their super cute grandson James, and my sister Adriana drove in to visit me. My parents also have friends who live in Georgetown and came for a visit. And of course, I cannot forget my girl Cassie Mae! She has been by my side and cuddles more with me lately. Each day I reached out to family and friends, and each day the prayers and positive thoughts blessed me with strength and determination.

I knew by the end of the week I had to go back to work on Monday. Normal routines and activities was what I needed next. And that is just what I did! My parents and the rest of my family went back home, and I went back to work on Monday. My work family is amazing so they made the first day back a smooth one. Even though it was difficult to share at first, reaching out to my colleagues and friends at work helped me in gaining more strength. I am so blessed to work alongside such thoughtful and heartfelt colleagues.

I was told I would have a team of doctors through this journey, but I am certainly blessed with another team...my family and friends who are with me in this fight. Again, everyday God sends me gifts that come in many forms, and everyday I am stronger for it.

Doctors...Decisions...In Limbo...

Wow..breast surgeons..plastic surgeons, oncologist, fertility specialist, a team of doctors, insurance...the list keeps growing and I am WAY overwhelmed. While I am still in limbo of what will be taking place, here is what I know so far.

On Friday February 8th I had my first appointment with my breast surgeon, Dr. Kelly Martinez. Due to my age, family history, and shape of my cancer cells, it was possible I inherited a gene mutation, so I took a genetic test. If I am positive for an inherited gene mutation, then I will have a bilateral mastectomy with full breast reconstruction. If it comes back negative, then the option will be a lumpectomy with radiation. At the time my pathology report was not complete, but I got the final report on Wednesday February 13.

I have triple negative cancer. Wow...sounds scary, huh? Scary yes...and I broke down at work. It was like hearing I had breast cancer all over again. Later that afternoon my doctor informed me that triple negative cancer is more aggressive and chemo was the only treatment for it. Deep breath...like my sister Michelle said "information is power!" A few days later, I met with an oncologist. He was so hopeful and explained my pathology report in more detail. He told me my cancer cells were dividing at 95% which means the cancer is growing. Both doctors stated weeks would not be a risk, so I felt better and more confident in preparing for future major surgery and treatment. I feel I am good hands.

Got My Boxing Gloves On!

I come from a gene pool of strong women, so I know how to be a fighter. My aunt, an ex-marine, battled breast cancer over 20 years ago. Today she is alive and well. I've always envied her strength, discipline, and determination. Before my aunt went into surgery, my other aunts did their own research and got her ready. So...guess what I'm doing? Yep, doing the same! Aloe vera juice, carrot juice, Barlean's greens 2-3 times a day, B complex, and loading up on fruits and veggies. 

I'm also determined to continue running and do my cross training workouts. I ran the Austin Half-Marathon on February 17, and if I don't have surgery by the end of March, then I plan to run the Zooma Half-Marathon. Either way, when I am released, I am back to running! 

The Austin Half-Marathon was an emotional and special run for me. Last year Travis and I decided to join a charity group called Superhero Kids. They raise money to support kids and families who have been impacted by cancer and blood disorders. Ironically, I joined this team to support kids and their families in the battle against cancer. Little did I know almost a year later I would be doing the same. Superhero Kids was very generous. I shared my news, and they gave me a Superhero Kids sweatshirt hoodie to keep me warm during treatment along with two gift cards to Flemings. Travis and I were honored to be part of the Superhero Kids Team.

Prayers and positive thoughts have contributed to the strength I have today. Keep them coming! I wake up each day with my boxing gloves on! I will fight, battle it to the end, and be a stronger woman for it. I am going about my normal routines until everything comes together. Time with Travis, friends, and family have helped me get through my first week. I feel a strength I couldn't even imagine almost two weeks ago. The battle has just begun!