In June, 2026, I received my 3rd breast cancer diagnosis.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma - right armpit
I found a lump in my right armpit near the lymph node removal scar.
An MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
LESSON - CHECK YOUR ARMPITS ~ even after a mastectomy...and tell your friends!

Treatment: To Be Determined after pathology of removed mass

What we DO KNOW:
* PET Scan results indicate NO signs of metastatic disease - YAY!! 
* Outpatient surgery to remove mass on Wed. July 1st went well

NOTE: When I learned my favorite surgeon (Dr. Patricia Limpert) joined the MO Baptist medical team last month, I just smiled and said, "Of course she did!" ~ she was my surgeon in 2011 & 2013. 

My mantra, prayer, theme for this 3rd journey with breast cancer ~ and life ~  is, Keep the Love Flowing within & around you ... because honestly, LOVE is the answer.

* I'm home resting and healing with very little pain or discomfort.
* I feel very peaceful, supported, and loved.

Facebook UPDATE: July 7th

Thank you for your continued prayers and loving thoughts.  I'm healing really well, feel good, still taking things slow and steady and am thankful I didn't have much pain. John and I have been binge watching "All Creatures Great and Small" ... finished Season 6 last night.  I have a follow-up with my surgeon on July 14th and will meet with my radiologist and oncologist the following week to talk about what treatments they suggest based on the pathology of the mass. Please know I continue to feel safe, supported and so deeply loved!   

Facebook UPDATE: July 17th

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your continued prayers and loving thoughts.   There are still some moving parts before treatment is finalized but I wanted to share what’s been happening: 

* Pathology indicated the mass was a lymph node – LESSON: CHECK YOUR ARMPITS – I did not realize that breast cancer could recur in lymph nodes AFTER a mastectomy.

* Surgical follow-up on July 14 went well – everything is healing nicely

* Based on the pathology, my surgeon indicated the team was considering chemotherapy, possible radiation, followed by anti-estrogen treatment (perhaps Tamoxifen)

* My surgeon asked permission to share my case with a weekly tumor board from Siteman Cancer Center to get more eyes on my case. Of course, I said, “YES, Thank You!”

* The board unanimously suggested no chemotherapy, but rather start antiestrogen pills along with a targeting therapy pill that helps stop certain breast cancer cells from growing.

* The board recommended further evaluation to determine “if” radiation could be given based on my history and “should” it be given

* All of these recommendations need to be discussed with my oncologist and radiologist so final decisions can be made at my appointment next Friday, July 24th.

* I also had my first lymphatic massage treatment to help reduce swelling (it's minimal) and maintain healthy lymph flow in my arm.

Our family continues to stay present and take things one day at a time. I feel so blessed and cared for by my family, friends, and medical team!  

Thank you all for BEING part of my life’s journey  I’ll post another update when treatment decisions are finalized. In the meantime...

 Keep The Love Flowing ~ within & around you

 Check Your Armpits ~ even after a mastectomy

Facebook UPDATE: July 24th

Hi Everyone,

Today, my sister and I met with my oncologist & radiologist. We now have a plan and made every decision based on my history and the fact that this type of breast cancer recurrence in a lymph node after previous chemotherapy & radiation is rare ~ only 2% chance of happening. Of course, from my perspective, there’s a reason so let’s make the best of it!

HERE WE GO …

* NO Chemotherapy ~ YAY!

* YES – RADIATION ~ My radiologist is sharing my case with several colleagues around the country to get their input because there isn’t much literature available that reflects my situation. We talked at length about various options, which included a lower dose 2x per day. I asked him if he trusts his intuition. He replied, “At this point in my career, Yes.” I said, “Great, because we have people around the world praying for me and my team and my intuition says, Yes, to radiation at a lower dose, 2x per day.” After conferring with his colleagues, he’ll confirm dosage. Treatment will probably start the week of August 10th ~ after my routine colonoscopy on August 5th ~ have you scheduled yours?

NOTE: the main concern with radiation is possible nerve damage/scarring affecting my right arm & fine motor skills - which may not manifest for 5 years. Knowing this possibility, helps inform preventative care choices.

* YES – AROMASIN (Exemestane) daily tablet to lower estrogen

* YES –Targeted therapy pill KISQALI or VERZENIO ~ if my body handles any joint pain side effects from Aromasin, then I’ll take KISQALI … if I have a lot of joint pain, I’ll take Tamoxifen & Verzenio.
 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

E-GIFT CARDS would be sooo helpful for meals, especially during 2x daily radiation treatments.
DoorDash & GrubHub Gift Cards can easily be purchased on Amazon.

The email for Gift Cards is: amycamie @gmail.com

Thank you all for your continued prayers and loving support. It truly makes a difference! Our family feels a deep sense of peace going through this journey and are so grateful for each and every one of you!