Kicking cancer is a family affair for the Zaverl’s. Both mother, Debbie, and daughter Ashley Zaverl were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Ashley was only 14 when her mother was first diagnosed. Growing up, she sat in the front seat of her mother’s cancer battle. Her mother’s inspiring fight against breast cancer and the strength it took to defeat the disease set the groundwork for Ashley’s future battle with breast cancer.
Ashley’s breast cancer journey has not been easy. She was gracious enough to share her story unfiltered and outspoken. She has overcome a life-threatening illness and double mastectomy with grace, strength, and humor. There’s something unique about people who can find humor in their most trying situations. Her optimistic and upbeat attitude is something to study, and we both feel it assisted her in her literal fight for her life.
Debbie and Ashley Zaverl are survivors. Both women are now healthy and enjoying life in remission!
In this conversation, Ashley talks about the steps she took to protect herself when she learned of her mother’s cancer diagnosis. Through early detection and vigilant care, Ashley was able to beat the disease. However, the medication that kept her alive also had some serious negative side effects that she describes in detail. She chose to take the most aggressive route to tackle her breast cancer head-on to eliminate the disease. By sharing her journey, we sought to raise awareness while providing useful information as well as some laughs. She’s a brave woman with a gorgeous mentality.
At what age did you become "aware" of what breast cancer was?
Ashley:
“When I 14, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and that’s when becoming “aware” of the disease smacked me in the face.
I actually found out about my mom’s Diagnosis before she even told my sister or me. And that’s because, at the time, I had a phone with a defect where I could eavesdrop on any conversation–regardless of whether the phone was on or off. So, when I heard what sounded like my mom crying while she was talking to my aunt Pat, I listened in and heard her tell Aunt Pat the news and how she didn’t know yet how to tell us.”
T:“I’m sure it must have been difficult to hear. I can’t fathom how terrified you must have been at the time.”
In what ways did watching your mom struggle with breast cancer shape your perspective moving forward?
Ashley:
“While I was seeing my mother go through it all, I was feeling a lot of different emotions.- It was frightening, in the fact that this was the first time I’d seen anything so serious up close. It was MY MOM who had to battle it. My mom has always been on the move and so lively; when this happened to her, forcing her to undergo operations, chemotherapy, and radiation, seeing her weakened and sickened from everything she was going through was terrifying and heartbreaking.
Her resilience and strength inspired me and showed me that it is possible to keep going even when the odds are against you. Not only did I feel inspired by her ability to keep going despite the challenges she faced, but I was also reminded of how brave and determined she is. I was empowered by her resilience and strength. I always knew she was brave, but this experience proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt.”
T: “It is understandable that you would feel scared and heartbroken seeing your mother go through such a tough time. It is also admirable how inspired you felt by her strength and resilience.”
What Precautions did you take growing up?
Ashley:
“After my mother’s diagnosis, she was tested for the BRCA gene mutation to find out whether she had it (since it is hereditary) and to see if there was a link between her cancer and the presence of this gene. And perhaps maybe explain why she may have had this cancer early at the young age of 45.
Well, the test showed she wasn’t carrying the mutation. However, because of her age and that she still had breast cancer and two daughters.. my sister and I were recommended to have our Breast cancer screening done earlier than most women would. This ultimately helped save my life in catching my cancer early on when we did!”
T: “It is great that your mother was tested for the BRCA gene mutation and that you and your sister were able to get breast cancer screenings at an early age. This definitely helped in catching your cancer early on. Early detection is so important when it comes to cancer. We are all very lucky that you were able to take these precautions and as a result, be here today sharing your survival story.”
How were you feeling before your diagnosis?
Ashley:
“So, before I was diagnosed, everything was fine! There were no issues or concerns for me. I planned to get my yearly Mammogram done on Valentine’s Day since I wouldn’t be doing much else that day because I was single, so why not make an appointment and get felt up? (Terrible joke)
That Valentine’s Day appointment was the mammogram /ultrasound that would alter my life. and save it for that matter. At every mammogram, I also had an ultrasound afterward because I had what they call “dense breasts” and it was the ultrasound followed by several biopsies that discovered the disease.”
T:”I love your humor! Your Valentine’s Day mammogram appointment definitely took a turn! Luckily, you were able to catch cancer early on. Early detection is key when it comes to cancer. You are very lucky that you went for that mammogram and had the ultrasound. Being single and taking care of yourself go hand-in-hand or in this case, breast-in-hand.”
What were your feelings when you were first diagnosed?
Ashley:
“When I was first diagnosed, I received a call to come in and receive my biopsy results. When I was told I had to come in and get my results, that was a red flag for me; any other time I ever had any lab work done for anything, the results were told over the phone when they were negative.
This time I had to come in? I thought, “Here we go..”
On 2/21/2020, I brought my mom and best friend with me to my appointment. I was nervous of course, but I also felt prepared and brave, ready to accept my fate.
Because, and this may sound crazy, ever since my mom was diagnosed I always had this gut feeling that I too would eventually be diagnosed with breast cancer. My mom and I are so much alike, I felt like this (rotten) apple probably wouldn’t fall far from the tree.
The most amazing thing about it all is that I actually prayed that if it had to happen to one of us (my sister or I), I would be the one who would volunteer to take on the burden so that my sister could avoid having to do so. So, for me, my diagnosis felt a lot like a long time coming.
When the words “breast cancer” left my OBgyn’s mouth, I felt like I was punched in the gut. The word “cancer” is always unexpected and jarring, no matter how much you think you can mentally prepare for it. And at the same time, I oddly felt like a “this is it” moment, a “let’s do this” mentality. I knew for sure that’s because I had been mentally prepared because, in a way, this is what I asked for.
It was overwhelming, don’t get me wrong (I didn’t think I’d be having to fight this battle in my 30’s), but in hindsight, I feel it was for the best that I had to do so.
I believe that being a 34-year-old, active, healthy woman gave me an edge when it came to dealing with it and healing as quickly as I did.
That AND being my mother’s daughter helped immensely because, like mother-like daughter, we kicked cancer’s ass.”
T:” It’s so amazing that you had the strength to face this challenge head-on, Ashley! You are an inspiration to us all. Your positive attitude and determination are sure to have played a big role in your successful recovery. Thank you for sharing your story with us and giving others hope.”
What kind of treatments did you receive, how did they make you feel, and looking back now, what might have you changed or avoided completely?
Ashley:
“Luckily, my cancer was found very early in my right breast and was small 5mm in size. I was diagnosed with ER/PR positive and HER-2 negative invasive lobular carcinoma.
Fortunately, after additional tests, pokes, and bloodwork, I was informed that I would not require any radiation or chemotherapy as a result of my choice to have a double mastectomy.
It should be noted, however, that obtaining a diagnosis does not mean you will have to go down the path I did and have a double mastectomy.
I chose the most aggressive approach to lower my chances of reoccurrence. If I were to do this, I wanted to go all out and execute all that was necessary to only have to endure this breast battle once. I feel grateful that I was given a choice in my breast cancer treatment journey. Many women are not afforded the same opportunity, and some have to make the difficult decision to remove one or both breasts.
I decided to get rid of them both, and I will never regret it.”
How did treatment affect you physically and emotionally?
Ashley:
“As far as the effect of the treatment has had on me, it was a total Mindfuck!
My doctor first prescribed me (Tamoxifen) to treat my breast cancer. This medication affected my thinking in a really negative way. I became this fragile time bomb of sadness and rage. I wasn’t myself at all. It really messed with my head. Sometimes, for no apparent reason, I would experience an emotional rollercoaster, going from happy to angry or sad in a matter of minutes.
After discussing this with my doctor, I stated that I could not live this way taking this medication and that I wouldn’t. We tried the next best medication used for the same purposes called “Toremifene” which THANK GOD!
Thankfully, the medication was covered by my insurance and I had no noticeable side effects. This is bullsh*t, though, if you ask me because it’s a total game changer for anyone who had the same reaction to Tamoxifen that I did.”
T: “It is so important for us to be advocates for ourselves and be honest with our doctors, I’m so happy you did that and were about to move out of that mental misery.”
What would you say to the other cancer survivors? Or those currently going through treatment?
Ashley:
“I would say “HANG IN THERE” and “Don’t give up!”
I think it’s a bit easier for me to say that though because I admittedly didn’t have to suffer through the chemotherapy sickness or radiation burns like most do. (And I admire everyone that has!!) but I’ve always been a glass-half-full type of person my whole life and truly believe in The power of Optimism and Manifestation.
You will have good days and bad days. And a lot more often you will have those mediocre days to help balance it all out. No matter the day though, be present and don’t forget who you are.
KEEP GOING, KEEP FIGHTING.”
Do you have any advice for people who are worried about their risk of developing breast cancer?
Ashley:
“My advice is to self-examine yourself as often as you can remember to, but always at least monthly. And listen to your body – if you feel like something is weird or notice something has changed, call your doctor and get checked out. Don’t ever put off your screenings because they can – and will – change your life as mine did. Breast cancer is scary like any cancer is. But it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.”
What is the most important thing for people to know about breast cancer?
Ashley:
“It makes no difference or distinction if you’re a guy or a girl. Young or Old. Nobody is beyond the reach of this disease.”
Ashley and her Beloved Dog Max
Is there anything else you would like to share about your courageous experience?
Ashley:
“After having had a double mastectomy and several reconstruction operations, enduring the healing process. Then, having to adjust to all the changes that came with implants, the numbing, nipple lacking “FOOBS” [Fake boobs] I have no regrets and would make the same decision again and again. Because although my birth boobs were aesthetically fantastic and I sometimes miss them, my new “FOOBS” look just as great, and I am thankful they aren’t trying to kill me.”
Thank you for sharing your story! You are an inspiration to others who are facing a similar diagnosis. Your positive attitude is truly admirable, and I’m so glad that you were able to kick cancer’s ass! Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us – self-exams and screenings are so important in catching breast cancer early. I’m so grateful for your courage in sharing your story and we know that it will help others who are facing a similar battle.
For more information on breast cancer visit:
-https://www.breastcancer.org/
-http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
(This Interview Has been condensed and Edited)
