Amy Keaton

Survivor

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My name is Amy Keaton. I’m from a small town in NC. I was working as an RN in a hospital in the Med/Surg ICU. I have been a nurse over three years. I am 25 years old and will be 26 this October. March of this year, I found a small lump in my right breast. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then after talking to my mom- it is better safe than sorry to get it checked. I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN and went in to see them the next week. The NP I have seen for years was concerned, but my breasts were too dense for mammogram at this time. She did an ultrasound and then a biopsy. She said she would call with results. In about 5 days, sure enough she called back and stated she was concerned it may be breast cancer. She wanted to do another biopsy when I was off my birth control in 2 weeks. 

Two weeks later we re-did the biopsy. Also, she did the whole cancer work-up with the lab. I was called back 4 days later with positive results for cancer in the mass. She gave me the Cancer Center’s number and told me who would take the best care of me. I called and got in the next week and got a PET scan that day. Results showed Advanced Stage 3 breast cancer with 28 lymph nodes involved. Chemo was to start that day, if I was okay to sign paperwork and take IV infusion. Of course I agreed. I went home that day a different woman. 

I am 25 with breast cancer. I had hair down to my hips. I had the world at my hands. But all I knew was that I needed to be positive. I told my mom and dad the next day. I also told my brother and a few close friends. I had to shave off my beautiful hair after my first treatment- 25 inches donated to wigs for kids. I was sad but it was the worst part so far. Since then, I have had 17 treatments with 8 drugs. Last PET scan, which was 2 and 1/2 days ago, showed my breast mass had shrank from 6cm to 4cm. I now also have 1 lymph node left. The treatment is working. I am fighting this! I have gotten 15 blood products, so many needle sticks, abnormal heart beats, and so much love from my cancer center. It is weird being a patient. Hopefully one day soon, I will be able to go back to being an ICU nurse! #fightforacure #breastcancerwarrior