In August 2019, I underwent a breast biopsy for an abnormal mammogram. 

On August 19th, I received a call that would change my life forever. The radiologist said "Stacy, I have some bad news. Your breast biopsy came back positive for cancer." My immediate thought was humor,  my  typical coping mechanism.  "Hmm, well the timing could have been better. I'm driving down the interstate in rush hour traffic. Then the rational part of my brain said "is there really any good time to hear this news?" Of course, I kept these thoughts to myself, thanked him for the call, and hung up the phone..

Within seconds, shock and disbelief set in. I have no family history of breast cancer and I had a normal mammogram just 1 year ago.  This didn't make sense. This can't be happening to me. I'm a single mother and my daughter is just starting her senior year of high school. How am I going to tell her? I decided to postpone the news until I had more information.

I told my two best friends then went to work like nothing had happened. While talking with a patient, she shared her medical history of breast cancer. My eyes welled up and I couldn't get back to my office soon enough. I broke down crying and soon enough, word spread to my colleagues. I was paralyzed with fear. My boss immediately called and scheduled appointments with the breast surgeon and oncologist.  At those visits, I was reassured that the breast cancer was caught early and I had a good prognosis, "Stage I ductal carcinoma without metastasis." I felt "lucky." The treatment plan was surgical lumpectomy and one month of radiation.  I was able to go home, tell my daughter the news, and reassure her I would be fine.

But that was short-lived. When I returned to see the oncologist, she asked "are you alone?" My heart sank as I braced for the bad news. The genetic testing indicated I had an aggressive type of breast cancer that had a high risk of recurrence if I DID NOT UNDERGO  6 months of chemotherapy. I knew I didn't have a choice. My daughter needed me, I was overcome with anxiety and fear about chemotherapy and the side effects.  My mind was racing. How am I going to tell my daughter after I had reassured her I would be fine? How will I be able to support her emotionally and financially? How would I make the 45 minute drive to and from chemotherapy by myself? Would I be able to tolerate chemotherapy? I had no family nearby and my friends, while very supportive, had their own obligations.

But mostly, my biggest concern was fighting cancer and caring for my daughter. As devote Christians, we leaned into our faith through prayer, scripture, and prayer requests. I knew God was a source of comfort and strength and that he was always present and would guide me in my journey. 

Chemotherapy was tough. Due to  side effects, I was unable to work. My 17 year-old daughter became my caregiver in addition to her school and work commitments.  Fortunately, I had some short term disability but I knew it wasn't enough to make ends meet.

Shortly thereafter, a friend shared her cancer story on Facebook and encouraged others to do the same. Although vulnerability is not my strong suit, I saw it as an opportunity to share my cancer journey, including the raw emotions and challenges I faced.I thought If I could reach even one person facing adversity and let them know they are not alone, maybe I could make a difference. After sharing my story, I received an unexpected outpouring of love and financial support from family, long lost friends, work colleagues, and even acquaintances. This was such a blessing. The generosity of others reduced my stress tremendously.which allowed my body to better tolerate chemotherapy and fight cancer. I was reassured I could take care of my daughter and turn my focus to beating cancer. It also allowed me to reconnect with friends who were also fighting cancer. We built an online support. Sadly, one of my friends, also a single mother and nurse, lost her battle to breast cancer shortly after we spoke. I experienced survivor's guilt but was able to overcome that hurdle with therapy.

I struggled with loneliness during chemotherapy. Most people had spouses and significant others that accompanied them to chemotherapy. I was all alone. Frequent visits from the Chaplain and Social worker seemed to feel the void. One morning, in a moment of vulnerability, I shared my feeling with my daughter.  She hugged me and told me it would be ok. About 3-4 hours later, for the first time in 3 months, 4 work colleagues came to visit me during chemotherapy.  I was overwhelmed with joy. I suspected my daughter had called them. But to my surprise, when I got home and shared my story, she began to cry. She said "Mom, I didn't talk to anyone but God. I prayed he would bring visitors to sit with you in chemotherapy." We were speechless. God is good all the time.

Four months into treatment, the pandemic occurred. Staying inside wasn’t difficult for me,I had already been homebound due a compromised immune system. My daughter contracted COVID which presented some challenges but by the grace of God she recovered and I did not get COVID.

I completed chemotherapy and rang the bell of victory. I tolerated radiation without issues.. As soon as it was safe, I was able to return to work and do what I enjoy most…..care for others.

I first participated in the Susan G Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk 2 weeks after I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and before I received cancer therapies. This year, I am celebrating my  5 year anniversary of being cancer free," a monumental achievement in the cancer world. 

I share my story because most people know someone who has faced breast cancer, whether they are starting their journey, beat cancer, or lost the battle. If it wasn’t for the generous emotional and financial support of family and friends, I would not be where I am today. The love and support I received reduced my stress, allowing me to tolerate chemotherapy and focus on beating cancer. I didn’t have to worry if about losing our home, feeding my child, or keeping the utilities on. You truly made a difference and I am forever grateful. To that end, I want to pay it forward.to those in need.

I first participated in the Susan G Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk 2 weeks after I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019  and before I received cancer therapies. This year, I am proud to share I have been cancer free for 5 years,”  a monumental achievement in the cancer world. 

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.

Your support helps us get one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Funds raised help support breakthrough research and provide assistance to those facing breast cancer today who need our support. Whether it’s emotional support via Komen’s helpline, financial support through Komen’s financial assistance program, or navigation services to break down barriers to care, Komen will be there for them.

Ending breast cancer needs all of us, and your generosity can make a real difference. Together, let’s show breast cancer patients there’s a whole community standing by their side.

Will you please join me in this fight by making your donation today?