Tandy - 1 Breast Cancer - 0

Tell the world who you are!

Hey hey!! My name is Tandy Hoover. I am a 35 year old breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed at 31 years old. I am married and at the time of my diagnosis, had a 1 year old. I was working part-time at a very large and prestigious university hospital while attending school full-time to get my master’s degree as a nurse practitioner. How did you learn about your breast cancer diagnoses?

I had been having sharp, but very fleeting pains in my left breast for a couple of months.

They weren’t often and they never lasted more than a split second so I never thought anything about them. I had always heard cancer doesn’t hurt so that was the last thing on my mind. However, one day in January I had a sharp pain that made me hold the area and put pressure there. That’s when I felt the lump. Deep down I immediately knew it was cancer. I saw my GYN nurse practitioner and she recommended a mammogram and ultrasound. The following week I had the mammogram followed by the US. I was able to see the mammogram pictures on the screen while the radiologist did the US. It looked like an imperfectly round spider with tons of little legs shooting out. I could tell from the US tech’s face that she wasn’t reassured. A couple of days later they called and scheduled me for a biopsy. So on Thursday, February 11, I went with my husband and my mom for the biopsy. The following evening, while we were at some friend’s house for a play date we got the call. I had Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It was stage II because of the size of the tumor. That is what was causing the pain. The tumor had gotten large enough that it was impeding on surrounding nerves causing the occasional sharp pains. What type of treatment did you receive? 

I joined a clinical trial that was going on at my institution that allowed me to have an additional biopsy, scans, and blood work to determine my risk of re-occurrence and whether I would have to do chemotherapy or not. Turns out, I am high risk for re occurrence so I did 16 rounds of chemo over 20 weeks. I had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and my ovaries removed. I am also taking estrogen-blockers for at least 7 years. What has breast cancer taught you about yourself? 

I am enough. I can do tough things. I am stronger than I thought. As a breast cancer survivor, who/what has been the biggest inspiration during your journey? 

My husband and my child have been my biggest inspiration. I don’t want my son to grow up thinking his momma wasn’t a fighter. My husband has a very serious liver condition that is getting progressively worse. He will eventually have to have a liver transplant. I want to show both my husband and my child that although life throws us curve balls from time to time, we can adapt, push through, and come out stronger on the other side.   

Advice or encouragement you would like to share with the breast cancer community. 

Cancer can only take away what you allow it. You are stronger than this disease. Hair, eyebrows, and eye lashes grow back. Don’t fret. Be courageous. God’s got this!!   You can connect with me on the following platforms.... Facebook: Tandy Hoover Ig: tandyhoo https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com?coachId=2079320&locale=en_US

-- God Bless You Tandy Hoover "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28