Roxanne Toscano

My journey started in 2016 when I found a breast mass. After many tests and procedures my doctor suggested a lumpectomy. I was diagnosed with ADH, Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia, thus starting my journey. Atypical rang in my ears. “You need to see an Oncologist” rang in my ears. It was nuts. I did what was told, scheduled my appointment and visited an oncologist. We reviewed my biopsy results and ultimately made the decision to keep an eye on things resulting in ultrasounds and or mammograms every 6 months. On my last follow up before being released to yearly checkups, bam! Calcifications in my left breast, opposite from where I had my ADH. My radiologist was pretty optimistic that it was nothing. A few days later I had my stereotactic biopsy. September 2019 my life changed. I was told I had cancer and that I needed to see a surgical oncologist. I met with my surgical oncologist and she bluntly told me “You have Breast Cancer” Gave me the specifics of my diagnosis and recommend, due to my age and history that I should be thinking double mastectomy with reconstruction. Because of my diagnosis and how early my cancer was caught, Chemotherapy wasn’t necessary. I was blessed to have had my husband, my family, my fire fighter family and close friends and relatives at this time of my life. I received my diagnosis in September, met with my surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon in October, MRI, genetic testing and insurance approval in November and my double mastectomy and reconstruction on December 4, 2019. A few weeks into recovery I received the pathology report from my mastectomy. It turns out I had made the right decision to go with my Doctor’s recommendation because I had more atypical tissue in my right breast. My husband was with me every step of the way. Every appointment, every test, every decision, every tear, every drain, every part of my journey, he was with me. His love and positivity never wavered. I completed phase 3 September 30, 2020 and received my pigmentation for nipple areola restoration with the wonderful ladies at Perky. If that wasn’t enough, March 2021 I was diagnosed with Uterine cancer and had to undergo another major surgery. Thankfully again, my cancer was caught early and didn’t require chemotherapy! Although my “journey” is almost complete, my recovery is still ongoing. Along the way I’ve met beautiful, strong women I strive to be like. They give me the strength, courage and hope for the days to come and continue to remind me that I am not alone in this fight. I currently work, part time for Thrivewell Cancer Foundation. We provide financial assistance and wellness programs to those fighting and surviving Cancer. I am many things… a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter and now because of Breast Cancer and Uterine cancer, a Survivor. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. And thank you for supporting the cause.