When Jennifer Macias felt pain above her right breast, she decided it was time to visit her doctor.
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During an appointment with her OBGYN, the doctor confirmed she had a lump on her breast, but that her pain was being caused by a cyst. Macias’ doctor wanted her to feel safe about the prognosis, so extra imaging and a biopsy was done on the lump.
The next day, on September 7, 2017, forty-year-old Macias received a call from her doctor.
The lump they found on her breast was cancerous.
“I didn’t think something like this could happen to me because statistically it’s something I shouldn’t have, but I do,” said Macias.
The mother of three young girls was the first in her family with breast cancer.
Macias quickly began searching for help, visiting a local oncologist and UCLA’s medical center.
With more tests, it was confirmed that Macias had triple negative breast cancer, which tends to be more aggressive than other types. Because this type does not have estrogen, progesterone or HER2 receptors, hormone therapies do not work, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Anyone can get triple negative breast cancer, but these tumors seem to occur more often in younger, Hispanic women, according to the foundation.
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Macias’ doctors determined that a lumpectomy would be best for her situation.
Lumpectomy is a surgery to remove only the tumor and a small rim of normal tissue around it. It leaves most of the breast skin and tissue in place, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
While hopes were high to be free of cancer after the lumpectomy, Macias didn’t get good news. her breast tissue still wasn’t cancer-free.
Macias had to undergo a second lumpectomy, which resulted in the same outcome: she still wasn’t cancer-free.
Macias is currently preparing for a mastectomy, the next step in the fight against her cancer.
“I’m still trying to get myself emotionally and physically ready,” said Macias.
She recently finished her last round of chemotherapy, which started in October 2017, and is scheduled for surgery in April.
“Treatment was hard,” said Macias. “I did six rounds. The first four were with two kinds of drugs and the last two were with different drugs and different dosages.”
Because of the chemotherapy, Macias lost her hair, experienced fatigue, nausea, her taste buds were gone and she doesn’t have a large appetite.
“I was an active person with church, work and taking my daughters to school before the chemo,” said Macias.
Some of the day-to-day challenges that she faces is getting her daughters to school because she is so fatigued.
During the hard times, Macias found comfort in her family, friends, and community.
“It’s been a time to be humble,” said Macias. “I’m very blessed in having wonderful friends and my husband has been amazing with all of this.”
Because of this, she decided her next step would be to opt for a double mastectomy.
“Do I want to keep constantly fearing that it’s going to come back in the left breast?” said Macias.
In addition, Macias has connected with a Facebook group of other women with similar stories.
“It’s not something you have to go through yourself or something that just your family has to be burdened with,” said Macias. “Friends have helped me pick up the girls from school and have brought us a meal.”
Although there have been hardships, Macias sees her journey as a blessing.
“I now see the amazing community and feel so loved and cared for by the community. I’m so grateful for it,” said Macias.
Macias added that since she was a working mom, she didn’t delegate time for herself until she left her job because of an environment that was not female friendly.
“I think working moms don’t prioritize themselves, so make time for yourself even though there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done,” Macias said.
To connect with Jennifer Macias, email her at 3jmacias@gmail.com.
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Best wishes for a cancer free future. I’ve been battling cancer for four years. I’ve had three major abdominal surgeries and had to do chemotherapy twice….so I understand.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jennifer for over 10 years. She is one of the kindest, positive and spiritual people I have ever known. Those qualities will hopefully help her through this journey. Also having the support and prayers of all those who love her will get her through this hard time. Love you girl and you are in my prayers every day. Stay Strong, You’ve got this!
Hi Jennifer,
I was diagnosed with triple negative at the age of 40. My daughter was 1 at the time. I am now a 6 year survivor. Wishing you all the best on your journey. Sending you light, love, and positive vibes. You are a survivor and a warrior. ???????? praying for you. ????????????
The lady with triple negative that is 6 years survivor. May I ask where you got treatment and what kind of treatment you received? I’m recently diagnosed with triple negative with metaplastic and am setting here with no treatment plan. Even from a well known cancer clinic.
Also, I hadn’t finished when that sent. Jennifer, you are in my prayers! You got this girl ? Stay in prayer and remember Jesus already has you covered. With his stripes you are healed.