This week we sat down with Tammy Leyden and Caryn Siegel Finley, two childhood best friends from Staten Island who went through breast cancer together. Tammy and Caryn have created an Instagram page called @breastiefriendsforever where they share their experiences with breast cancer. Tammy and Caryn also strut on the runway to raise $500k! Read along to learn more about each of their stories and what they are up to today!
Tell us a brief summary of your diagnosis and your surgical journey
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 at age 45. After feeling a lump under my arm, I went to a breast surgeon. I received a mammography, ultrasound and biopsy that confirmed a breast cancer diagnosis. I then had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.”- Tammy
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, after my routine mammogram and subsequent breast biopsy. I initially had a lumpectomy; however, after the breast surgeon did not get clear margins, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.” - Caryn
Tell us a brief summary of your decision to undergo surgery
“I have a significant family history of breast cancer including my maternal aunt, grandmother, and mother. Due to family history, my young age, and the diffuse location of the cancer the recommendation by my surgeon was bilateral mastectomy and I agreed.” -Tammy
“My initial thought was to reduce my risk of recurrence as much as possible. My immediate surgical choice was bilateral mastectomy, however my breast surgeon whom I trusted, guided me to first have a lumpectomy and see if we get clear margins and make the next surgical decision based on that. Clear margins were not achieved, and I opted for mastectomy.”-Caryn
What is something that you would like others to know about recovery?
“We both received clear pathologies. This took a huge weight off of us mentally and allowed us to focus on the physical healing. We both put a high priority on physical fitness. As soon as we were cleared by our medical professionals, we got ourselves moving. This helped both mentally and physically and made us feel like we were getting back to be who we were. As moms of young sons, we both also set goals for our recovery. Tammy’s goal was to continue to be at all her boys' sports and be back at work as soon as possible. Caryn’s goal was to bring her five-year-old to his first day of kindergarten which was 6 weeks post-surgery.” - Tammy and Caryn.
"Setting goals and focusing on normalcy really helped the healing process"
If there was one thing you would like the community to take away from your story?
“As best friends since childhood, health professionals (Tammy, Occupational Therapist and Caryn Pediatric Dentist and practice owner) who ironically received a breast cancer diagnosis a year apart, we are passionate about helping others navigate their journey. While everyone’s path may be different, we intend to make sure no one fights alone. This was the inspiration for us to create our passion project @breastiefriendsforever.” - Tammy and Caryn.
If you could describe AnaOno in one word, what would it be?
“Inspirational”- Tammy and Caryn
