#YWBC: Sarah

Name: Sarah DiMuro
Age: 41
Occupation: Actor/Writer/Training Manager at a Marketing Company
Age when diagnosed with breast cancer: 41
Breast cancer type: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Breast cancer stage: 1

Treatment:

Double mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy (with tissue expanders). Next up hormonal treatment via ovarian suppression monthly with Zoladex and daily AI pill Exemestane to eat up any stray estrogen I may have lingering.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that has nothing to do with cancer:

I used to have a dating column for a magazine in NYC where I flew around the US on blind dates looking for my true love. The catch? I was a virgin! And guess what, I found the love of my life and we are married today!

What’s your go-to pick-me-up song?

Don’t make me pick just one! But at this very minute it’s Dierks Bentley’s “Burning Man” but like I said I have an endless arsenal of go-to ra-ra songs!

How did you discover your breast cancer?

I was looking at myself in the mirror and noticed a weird lumpy area on the top of my right breast, kind of like in the shape of Florida. And I knew something was definitely amiss.

What went through your head when you received your diagnosis?

But I can’t have breast cancer, my boobs are so small and I eat so much broccoli. Nope, sorry you have the wrong Sarah. Bye-bye.

What’s the craziest thing someone said to you after being diagnosed with breast cancer?

Oh god you are going to lose your hair and you do not have the head to pull off the bald look.

Who or what is/was your biggest source of support throughout your experience with cancer?

My parents, sister, husband, mother-in-law, friends, coworkers and of course my little two foot terror of a son. He makes me laugh so much.

What is/was the most difficult part of being a young woman with breast cancer?

Having an infant son who I might not get to see grow up. I mean I did all the work to carry him and now I could miss watching all the fun and crazy stuff he does through the years? Not cool cancer, not cool.

What’s something unexpected you learned about yourself as a result of having breast cancer?

I’m stronger than I thought. I may get freaked out when I see a mouse in the kitchen or when I have to handle raw chicken, but give me something like cancer and I step up.

In one sentence, what words of wisdom would you pass on to another young woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Obviously you’re scared and want answers immediately but please limit your time Googling breast cancer and binge watch Golden Girls or the Baroness Von Sketch Show instead, much better for your overall physical and mental health, trust me.