The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you!!! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?
My name is Lauren and I’m a native Houstonian now living in the mountains north of Greenville, South Carolina. Before my diagnosis, I was active and working full time as the Vice President of Sales for a global vehicle manufacturer. I'd describe myself as a paradox: I am very much a feminine, girl's girl, but I absolutely love the outdoors. If you ever see someone hiking in heels, it's probably me! :)
Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?
My heart sank when I felt a lump in my breast while showering on a Friday evening. I didn’t think I had cancer, but I definitely knew something was there that shouldn’t be. Google reassured me that most lumps are benign cysts and that gave me a false feeling of comfort. Still, I took the lump very seriously and saw my OBGYN on Monday. I had a mammogram and ultrasound the following day and the radiologist stated in no uncertain terms that he believed it was “malignant.” That word made the room go dark and feel like it was closing in on me. I repeated the word malignant back to myself in my head several times. Malignant - like cancer?! I think I even asked him to clarify the meaning of that word. I had a biopsy the next day to confirm what, at that point, we already knew. Within a week, I went from living a very normal life as a 36-year-old to being diagnosed with breast cancer. I was in complete shock.
What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?
I was treated at MD Anderson in Houston and was terrified to begin chemotherapy because of the potential side effects. I actually had an allergic reaction to my first Taxol infusion and so they switched me to Abraxane. Waiting to learn how the allergy affected my treatment plan and timing was actually worse than the reaction itself. I had a lot of side effects from chemo, but managed to continue working full-time and still exercised 5 days a week. I finished chemo in October 2022.
Who did you turn to as your support system?
Jason, my mother, family, and friends were my rocks. One girlfriend set up a Meal Train for me and that was one of the most helpful, practical actions someone took during chemo. Food was one less thing to think about. Toward the end of chemo, since the effects are cumulative, I was sleeping more than 10 hours a day. Combined with working full time, there simply wasn’t time in the day to do routine tasks. My support system picked up the slack. They helped me grocery shop, walk my dogs, clean the house, do laundry, etc. I will be forever indebted to them for their selflessness.
What is something you wished you knew before starting your chemo treatment?
To hydrate! I was scared to drink too much water the day of my infusion because I didn’t want to wheel my machine to the restroom, but man -- being very hydrated makes a world of difference to lessen side effects. The nurses don't mind unhooking you and wheeling you to the restroom. Hydrate and thank me later.
Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?
The hair loss is pretty obviously the most traumatizing side effect. I don’t think there’s really any way to prepare for the mental toll of this either. The most unexpected side effect was the “chemo rash” I developed while on Abraxane. It was unsightly and uncomfortable!
What are tips/tricks you have learned along the way to help with chemo side effects?
I learned so many tips and tricks and this is why I started my public Instagram account, @ohheybreastie. I am a solution-oriented person by nature and this didn’t stop during treatment. I solved for almost all of my side effects and share these tips and tricks on my account. One example is to use a clean, soft kitchen sponge to protect your port from the seatbelt while you're in the car! It works perfectly.
Do you recommend any chemo friendly products?
I have an Amazon storefront dedicated to organizing the “tried and loved” products that helped me and other breasties during chemo and beyond. I do not share a single product that isn’t breastie approved. Most recently, I’ve been working with a brand to share an incredible stencil eyebrow solution for breasties who were not able to microblade their eyebrows before starting chemo. I am even using this product now (more than a year out from chemo!) as my eyebrows have thinned some from the targeted therapy I am on.
Any advice for other chemo patients?
Thinking about the entire treatment process can be too overwhelming at times. So, take it one day at a time. One hour at a time if you must on some days. Breast cancer can also be a very isolating diagnosis, especially if you're young and everyone else is living a seemingly "normal" life. So, find a group of other breasties with whom you can relate and reach out when you’re having a tough time. There is no reason to go at this alone and so much comfort can be found in talking and connecting with other women who have been or are in your shoes. No one understands your fears, thoughts, and concerns like another breastie does.
