Amy

Hey there!  My name is Amy Zanke. Although not a native Pittsburgher – I’ve lived in the South Hills since 1992 and consider Pittsburgh my home.  I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ER+/PR+/HER2- on November 4, 2016 at age 46.  I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal, but it had spread to my lymph nodes.  2nd surgery was to remove all lymph nodes under my right arm.  I now have mild lymphedema, but it has been relatively easy to manage.   My testing showed that chemo would not be a viable treatment option, however, I did receive 33 rounds of radiation.  I opted not to do any reconstruction but did have to have a hysterectomy in 2018. I was recommended to do hormone therapy for 5 years, but recently had to stop due to the crazy awful side effects.  I'm currently enrolled in an aspirin research trial for breast cancer prevention.  I consider myself so blessed and lucky for my outcome - and feel guilty that I got out so easy compared to others.  That’s what motivated me to want to help - I stumbled upon the 412Thrive Facebook page and was immediately drawn to the members and message. I finally found a group of people who not only understand what it means to have cancer but also offers such great support and insight into life after diagnosis and beyond treatment.  I can’t believe how lucky I am to be a part of this amazing group!