My Story
On Wednesday, April 16, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer.
Three weeks prior, I discovered a small lump near my right armpit while shaving. I didn’t think much of it, but I mentioned it to a few people. One person in particular urged me to not ignore it and get it checked immediately. I took that advice to heart and made an appointment.
What started as a simple check quickly escalated to a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. I received the call with my biopsy results while I was alone, and the news was delivered far more casually than life-changing news ever should be. The fear and devastation that washed over me in that moment was immediate and indescribable, like the ground had suddenly disappeared beneath me.
There’s a common misconception that women in their 30s don’t get or need to worry about breast cancer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It can happen at any age, and rates among younger women are rising. Why? That’s still to be determined. It’s scary, but it’s real.
What I do know is that early detection is everything. Do regular self-exams. Know your body. Speak up if something feels off. No age is too young, and no concern is too small. I found my lump by chance, and a friend pushing me to get it checked most likely saved my life.
I’m incredibly fortunate that the cancer was caught early and that my treatment plan could be the best-case scenario. I know so many other women have faced or are facing a much tougher battle and diagnosis, and my heart goes out to them
What began as immense fear is gradually transforming into strength and a growing sense of hope. I'm overwhelmed by the love and support that surrounds me, and I know I have an amazing team by my side, ready to help me reach the finish line.
I truly am one of the lucky ones
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.
Three weeks prior, I discovered a small lump near my right armpit while shaving. I didn’t think much of it, but I mentioned it to a few people. One person in particular urged me to not ignore it and get it checked immediately. I took that advice to heart and made an appointment.
What started as a simple check quickly escalated to a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. I received the call with my biopsy results while I was alone, and the news was delivered far more casually than life-changing news ever should be. The fear and devastation that washed over me in that moment was immediate and indescribable, like the ground had suddenly disappeared beneath me.
There’s a common misconception that women in their 30s don’t get or need to worry about breast cancer, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It can happen at any age, and rates among younger women are rising. Why? That’s still to be determined. It’s scary, but it’s real.
What I do know is that early detection is everything. Do regular self-exams. Know your body. Speak up if something feels off. No age is too young, and no concern is too small. I found my lump by chance, and a friend pushing me to get it checked most likely saved my life.
I’m incredibly fortunate that the cancer was caught early and that my treatment plan could be the best-case scenario. I know so many other women have faced or are facing a much tougher battle and diagnosis, and my heart goes out to them
What began as immense fear is gradually transforming into strength and a growing sense of hope. I'm overwhelmed by the love and support that surrounds me, and I know I have an amazing team by my side, ready to help me reach the finish line.
I truly am one of the lucky ones
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.
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.
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?
