TL;DR – My only symptoms were lower back pain and nerve pain in my left leg. Advocate for yourself with your doctor if something feels off. Find moments to laugh, and surround yourself with great friends, family, and some good wine.
One of the first questions I got when people found out I had cancer was, “What were your symptoms?” I bet as soon as I turn my back, they start frantically consulting WebMD about every little ache and pain they’ve had in the past six months, just to make sure they aren’t in the same boat. Ironically, when I was googling my own symptoms, cancer never even made the search results.
It all started on Christmas Day 2021. My husband and I had spent over six hours in the car, so when my back started to hurt, I figured it was just from being cramped up for so long. I popped some Tylenol, did a few stretches, and got back to the holiday fun.
By the end of January, I’d been to the chiropractor several times and was practically living with a heating pad glued to my lower back. I stretched throughout the day and looked forward to a nightly Epsom salt bath, which provided some temporary relief—or at least distracted me from the pain. I even borrowed a back massager from my sister, convinced it would do the trick. Spoiler: it didn’t. When all else failed, I made an appointment with Raleigh Orthopedics, certain they’d figure it out and fix me up.
The pain in my lower back grew more intense, and soon it was shooting down my left leg. At the orthopedic office, surrounded by athletes and elderly folks recovering from hip replacements, I finally felt like I was in the right place. After an X-ray, physical exam, and thorough intake, the doctor concluded I’d likely pulled a muscle from riding our Peloton bike. Armed with a prescription for muscle relaxers and a physical therapy regimen, I walked out relieved to have a plan.
Three weeks into physical therapy, I was in excruciating pain. I was sleeping on the hardwood floor with my legs propped up at a 90-degree angle, taking work calls while lying on the floor with my headset on. I scheduled a follow-up with my orthopedic doctor.
Doctor: “You’re young and healthy. A pulled back muscle can take weeks to heal. The leg pain is probably a pinched nerve.”
Me: “The pain is getting worse and it’s significantly impacting my life. What’s the next step?”
Doctor: “An MRI, but I really don’t think you need one. As I said, you’re active and in good health. It will take time.”
Me: “I’d like an MRI.”
Doctor: “I don’t think it’s necessary, and your insurance might not cover it.”
Me (in tears): “That’s fine, I’ll pay out of pocket if needed. Please, schedule an MRI.”
Doctor: “Fine.”
I had the MRI the following week. The next morning, while at work, I got a call from my orthopedic doctor’s nurse. She said the radiologist spotted a mass and I needed an MRI with contrast. I had so many questions, but all she could say was, “We need a better look—it could be fluid, fatty tissue, or a tumor.”
A few days later, I had the MRI with contrast. The next morning, my doctor called. He explained that the mass looked very suspicious and referred me to Rex Oncology. They’d be in touch soon.
The next two weeks were a whirlwind of appointments and procedures. Both of my arms were covered in bruises from IVs and blood draws. I was so busy juggling work and doctor visits that I didn’t have much time to dwell on the possible outcomes.
On April 29, 2022, as I was heading to a working lunch, my phone buzzed. It was my doctor.
Doctor: “Hi Rebekah. Are you with your husband or family right now?”
Me: “No, it’s noon on a Friday. I’m at work.”
Doctor: “I see. Okay, I can call you back later.”
Me: “No, now is fine. What’s up?”
Doctor: “The biopsy confirmed you have cancer. I’m so sorry. Rex Oncology will be in touch shortly to discuss next steps. Do you have any questions?”
Me: “Nope, thanks for letting me know.”
I walked into my friend Brooke’s office in silence and sat down. I texted my husband and family chat to let them know. I spent an hour feeling numb, with tears silently streaming down my face. Brooke assured me I would overcome this and sent me home.
When I got home, my husband, sisters, and mom were there, wine and charcuterie in hand. We sat in the living room, ate, drank, and tried to keep ourselves distracted, knowing there wasn’t much we could do that Friday afternoon.
I had recently been promoted and felt I needed to inform my boss. I sent him a message asking for a quick call. He replied that he was traveling and asked what I needed. His response turned out to be one of my favorites.
Me: “I wanted to let you know my doctor confirmed I have cancer. Not sure about next steps yet but will update you soon.”
Eric: “YIKES!”
I read the conversation to my family, and we all laughed at his reaction.