My Story
This year, I joined the Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk. I am dedicated to Komen's mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today in support of my fundraising efforts.
I never would have imagined I would be fighting cancer in a million years. It doesn't run in my family and I've never even thought it was possible. June 2023, I noticed a lump in my breast. I was a little nervous, but really didn't think it would be cancer. I talked to friends and they experienced lumps that were just cysts and assured me - nothing to worry about. After the mammogram though I was directed to do an ultrasound. At that ultrasound they mentioned 2 lumps. One in my breast and one in my arm pit. As a side note... do self checks monthly please!! And when you're doing those self checks, feel your arm pits as well. That day the nurses went and got the Radiologist and she walked in with a very concerned look on her face and told me it didn't appear very positive for me. I was just in absolute shock. Complete shock. My response?? I remember having a huge smile on my face and thanked them. LOL. I'm sure they were confused on my reaction. I don't even know what was going through my mind. Anyways, I then went onto the next step, which was the biopsy. July 25th, 2023....biopsy. They don't officially tell you when they're doing it, but they know. I remember their faces while they were looking at the screen guiding them on the biopsy. It was obvious. I told them...it can't be cancer because my parents have already had a hard enough year. They just looked at me and told me I should probably start calling surgeons. So you leave just feeling blank. Is this real???
Finding out I had breast cancer was surreal. I think it took me over 6 months to even realize that it was reality. Every single day, even after getting my boobs amputated and losing my hair and looking in the mirror at a person I didn't recognize - I still thought it had to be a dream. Breast cancer is NOT the "good cancer" and it's not pretty pink ribbons. It's ugly and horrific. It's now one in SEVEN women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. We have GOT to do better when it comes to all types of cancer research and treatment. I'm blown away by the fact that we still don't have a cure and treatment is still so barbaric and traumatizing. And yet, after getting through the most horrific experience, you're still left to face the fear of high reoccurrence and live a much shorter life than we ever expect for our future. I'm so very thankful for my parents and my friends who have carried me through the past year. Your support means more than I can ever say. I pray that we get to a point where I never ever have to worry about anyone I love ever having to follow my footsteps.
Love and hugs!!
