HEATHER ALFORD

My Story:

Very few people know that I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on October 31st. It is grade 3 (most aggressive) stage 3 (because it had already spread to my lymph nodes). Being told I had a 50/50 chance of survival was mind blowing. Then to be told the first 6 weeks of chemo wasn’t working and that I would have to move to a new more intensive chemo was a kick in the gut, but it seems to be doing the trick! I will be scheduling a bilateral mastectomy (also known as a double mastectomy) in March and at that time I will know if more chemo is required or if I can transition to the next stage of treatment which is several weeks of radiation.

I have gone every year for 25 years for mammograms due to an underlying diagnosis of Fibroid Breast Disease and dense breast tissue. I had my first biopsy in 2021 and all was clear. I had my recent mammogram in July of 2023, and it was clear, but I felt like the lumps in my breast were just not right, so I followed up with my Dr (a new Dr. I was seeing thanks to a wonderful friend), and he wasn’t comfortable either and sent me to see a breast surgeon who then sent me in for an MRI in early October, then another ultrasound biopsy that tested positive.

In one day, my whole world changed along with my husbands, my family, and my friends. If there is one thing I know for sure, I may be the one that is sick, but we are ALL going through this together. I have never once felt alone in this new journey that I know will have a positive outcome.

I was told, once you are diagnosed with cancer you hear about so many people through connections that have cancer and that was the case here as well.

My kids and my sisters have been amazing. They have all stepped in to take turns to take me to my weekly treatments. I have FT calls with my amazing parents who are so strong for me, but I am certain they are crying in secret as I would if this were one of my kids. My brother has been an added rock from afar and I know wishes could be next door.

I owe so much to many amazing friends and additional family members that have continued to reach out daily or weekly to check-in and ask to help in any way. The groups of amazing women who have continued with their support as well.

Please ladies get your mammograms, tell your friends to get their mammograms and listen to your body!

Please participate in ways to help each other out. My favorite site of course is Susan G Komen for the amazing work that the group has done nationally. I also have found an amazing local foundation, The Marks Foundation, that fights hard for the town of Beech Grove and has a donation site for cancer. I will be donating myself to both foundations this month to help with their cause to help the communities.