The Van Dyke Family
Our Story
I found a lump in my right breast in late August-early September, and requested an appointment with my primary care for the first available time, which wasn't until December 1st. I called them back when the lump grew and I started having pain in my right armpit, and still could not get in, but placed on a cancellation list. Another PA ordered a mammogram, with the soonest availability, November 7th. This appointment changed our life.
On November 17th, I had biopsies done and the doctor said was100% cancer. They called me on November 18th to let me know it was rapid growing and inoperable until I was on Chemotherapy. The EKG that was taken before starting chemo showed my heart wasn’t functioning properly, so I had to start heart meds because I needed chemo.. The treatment did shrink the tumors but it made me very sick. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction surgery that has gotten infected and caused cellulitis, so I will need radiation after I heal.
My employer has made it difficult to get disability, and currently not receiving because they qualified it a pre-existing condition. This is a lot on top of trying to recover, and I’m feeling very defeated. I am trying to stay focused on healing and I pray they got all the cancer. It’s very hard for me to ask for help because I have always been the giver. Thank you for any assistance.
Family Updates
I was diagnosed 11/18/2025 with stage 3a ductal carcinoma to lymph nodes and right breast cancer. The tumors were big and I started chemo in January to reduce the size and try to slow the rapid growth. I did 4 months of chemo with positive effect according to MRI scan. On June 12, 2025 I underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction. On June 18 in post op follow up with plastic surgeon and it was noted that the wounds were infected and had cellulitis so I refused IV antibiotics with some effect. June 22 post op follow up with surgeon at cancer center. Pathology hot off press as the dr said when we were there. Not the news we wanted to hear. 8 lymph nodes were removed with 5 being cancerous and right breast still has cancer. Radiation was party of plan but now it’s looking like more chemotherapy first. Waiting for oncology to decide. Meanwhile my work stopped paying disability in May and saying it was a pre existing condition and they need more information to determine if I should have disability continued. Doctors have provided and there’s no records from August 1 to October 31 because I went for routine mammogram November 7 that showed I needed advanced mammogram and ultrasound which lead to a biopsy on Nov 17. My employer is still requesting documentation that doesn’t exist and have been difficult from day 1 with disability but claimed they were on my side and would do anything to help with my recovery. Any ways the financial stress weighs heavily on me and I’ve always been the giver and care taker so my pride is hurt that I even have to ask for help.