Sea Lemon

8 weeks post-op and ready to share why I’ve been absent:

In April, my routine mammogram showed suspicious calcifications, and after more images and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, grade 3). This is considered the earliest form of breast cancer (stage 0), not yet invasive. I had no symptoms, no lump—only tiny specks smaller than a grain of salt showing up on my mammogram, indicating abnormal cells were present.

To anyone with breasts—please don’t skip your mammograms. I know life gets busy (even I’m guilty of delaying appointments), but it’s so important to get checked regularly.

My great grandmother, grandmother and mother all had breast cancer in their 30s. Due to my high risk family history, I’ve been doing screenings since I was 28. As I approach 40 this year, I thought maybe it would skip me… but it showed up to crash the party at age 39.

During April-May, I had many appointments to figure out the right treatment plan for me. My surgeon ordered genetic testing which revealed I’m positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, giving me a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence (40%-70%). This helped me decide how preventative to be with my surgery choice (lumpectomy vs mastectomy).

On June 6, I had a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The pathology results showed clear margins and two clear lymph nodes (meaning no visible spread beyond the area). However, a new finding of invasive cells were found within the DCIS area, which didn't show up on any tests prior to surgery. This changed my diagnosis to DCIS and IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 1, grade 3, ER+/PR+/HER2-.

June-July I focused on healing (was told 4-6 week recovery time). Thanks to daily stretches and exercise, I'm back to full mobility, though still taking it easy.

Although my breast cancer recurrence rate has lowered (0-5%), the invasive cells (IDC) cause a new risk of cancer elsewhere in years to come. In August, I'll decide on preventative aftercare treatment to lower this risk (chemotherapy and hormone therapy).

It’s all been A LOT to process. I’m beyond grateful for my husband, supportive family, and online friends who shared their experience ❤️‍🩹

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,209



@Astrolimes_

I have been following your work since I was just a teenager. Your book binding tutorials were what brought me to your channel all those years ago but I've been following you since. I'm here now to say I'm so sorry you had to go through this but I'm very very glad you're doing well, have support, and are being given the care you need. I know you probably have a lot more challenges from here on but I'm certain you'll make it through this just fine! I can say this-- as someone who just got done beating her own bout of breast cancer! Goodluck! You've got this! You're not alone and you've got nothing to be afraid of!

5 months ago | 24  

@laqueenie_art

I'm glad they were able to detect this early on. I'm wishing you good rest and full recovery. Thank you for sharing this with us. 💜

5 months ago | 39  

@alipellecchia4921

Thank you for so bravely sharing your experience - I work in breast cancer research and know how much these stories make a difference. I wish you a speedy recovery!

5 months ago | 11  

@katemeeks8625

Mammograms save lives. It’s that simple. Whilst im sure this hasn’t been the case the whole time, you sound very positive and thank you for your openness. I hope you continue to recover well. Take care.

5 months ago | 10  

@HiRumblePie

Love your content, have done a bunch of your projects with kids I’ve worked with and my own kid,and stumbled on this today. So glad you caught it early…sending much love and wishing you peace and good health!!

5 months ago (edited) | 4  

@carolinelawrie7142

Bless you ❤️ I wish you the best for a full recovery 🙏 and you have your lovely dog to help with your healing

5 months ago | 0  

@melissalee2286

Oh, wow!!! I'm so sorry you have to deal with cancer. But I'm so glad you've chosen to share this with us! I definitely was one of the ones that needed reminded to go get the mammogram done, at least I was until my surprise lung cancer diagnosis last year. (I ended up having a neck to thigh PET scan to check other places for cancer. I had surgery to remove it, and I'm still recovering from that surgery, but I'm so thankful for skillful surgeon hands and watchful radiologist eyes who caught mine.) But prior to this, I wasn't having mammograms done consistently. So please keep sharing, and resharing, and encouraging others to get it done. I'll be praying for guidance and clarity for you and husband with the decisions that lie ahead.

5 months ago | 0  

@prittyandpink96

God Bless you, I also had Breast Cancer ( diagnosis last year at 27) with genetic test I have BRCA 1 gene. everyday I am getting stronger, recovering from chemotherapy, operation and radiotherapy. It's challenging time but keep the positive it help you get through. Best Regards 😸

5 months ago | 0  

@deidrapowell8762

Thanks for sharing your personal experience. I had a screening nothing showed up but because of pain that won’t go away I am going in for a diagnostic one now to be sure. Prayers for your continued healing

5 months ago | 0  

@theblindmomnextdoor

My word what a journey you have been on!! Thinking of you, sending you love and hoping for your continued recovery and that you’ll be all clear going forward.

5 months ago | 0  

@Truthspeaker1111-t8x

Im so glad! You are so lucky to have it diagnosed early! I hope you rest well and recover fast♥️♥️

5 months ago | 4  

@DWhoLover

Cancer survivor here. Wishing you the best & thinking of you. I did preventative treatment afterward & I’m now 10 years post-op with no recurrence. I’m so grateful & praying the same for you.

5 months ago | 4  

@jdardlu7214

I discovered your channel in 2012 while recovering from surgery. Your videos lifted me up during a challenging time. Hopefully I can return the favor… Years ago I met a woman who was in a similar genetic circumstance, she made the choice of a double mastectomy in her 20s. At the time I met her, she was in her late 50s with no recurrence. Sending you healing thoughts and prayers and as much peace and grace as your heart can hold.

5 months ago | 3  

@triciab8751

I finished my BC treatment in Feb. I know the overwhelming feeling of the whole process. I wish you well during the remaining treatment process. Hang in there girl. You got this!

5 months ago (edited) | 0  

@raisai.8691

I've been watching your videos since I was in middle school and now I'm about to graduate. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you all the best with your recovery!

5 months ago | 0  

@sweetchildmine08

Wow! You’ve sure been through tough times. Sending you healing hugs xxx

5 months ago | 0  

@DeerheartStudioArts

wishing you a full recovery and no cancer ever again? I have enjoyed you vids for years and like your designer papers. Big hug!🦌💌🙏

5 months ago | 0  

@A-ArtCraft-n3s

Thank you for sharing. My partner has stage 3B lung cancer which didn't show up immediately until he had a chest x ray for what we thought was a chest infection. But there's so many different treatments now, it's amazing what's on offer x Glad you're feeling better. It's scary 😨

5 months ago (edited) | 0  

@janep5384

WOW!! What a journey!! I'm glad to see that you're staying positive and finding your way. I hope you hold this and continue to heal. I honestly miss your videos and wondered where you went (I almost borrowed my son's Instagram account 👀😳). Prayers for you. 🙏 May your holiday season be peaceful, filled with quiet joy and giggles. I'm glad to know you're okay.

1 month ago | 0

@bartiramesquita4037

Please be good, be strong because a lot of people loves you!!!! God bless you pretty girl!!!!!

3 months ago | 1