My breast cancer journey began with something simple that I almost took for granted a self-breast exam. While in the shower, I found what felt like a tiny pea-sized lump in my left breast. I didn't panic, but I knew my body well enough to pay attention. Within a week, it had grown, so I scheduled an appointment with my OB-GYN. By the time I was seen, the lump had grown to the size of a gumball. Deep down, I knew something wasn't right.
After a mammogram, ultrasound, biopsies, and countless appointments, I received the diagnosis no one ever wants to hear espically at the age of 37 with 3 kids; invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). My pathology revealed a 47 mm intermediate-grade tumor along with a 24 mm high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The cancer had also spread into the lymphatic and blood vessels within my breast tissue, known as extensive lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), making my diagnosis high risk. One sentinel lymph node tested positive for cancer, measuring 9 mm, but thankfully the cancer had not grown through the outer capsule. My surgeons were able to achieve negative margins, meaning all visible cancer was successfully removed during surgery.
I underwent a bilateral mastectomy with delayed reconstructive surgery, a decision that forever changed my life physically, mentally and emotionally. While losing my breasts was incredibly difficult, I chose to focus on what the scars represented, a life I get to still live with my husband and kids. Every scar tells a story of strength, survival, and hope.
Right now, I am walking through 6 rounds of TC chemotherapy, and if all goes as planned, I will complete my final treatment on August 10th, the day before my 38th birthday. After that, I will begin 25 rounds of radiation. While the road is still long, I remind myself every day that each treatment is one more step toward healing. This journey isn't over yet, but I know I don't walk it alone.
Through every appointment, surgery, treatment, and difficult day, my faith has been my anchor. There have been moments of fear, uncertainty, pain, and tears, but there has also been an incredible peace that only God can provide. When I don't understand the "why," I trust that He already knows the ending of my story. His strength has carried me on the days I felt too weak to keep going, and His grace has been evident through every person He has placed in my life. I know this is my testimony and I'm thankful that God has anchored me to help other women with encouragement or even just a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
One of the greatest blessings to come from sharing my journey has been the incredible women who have reached out to me. Some have shared their own stories, some have asked questions because they're facing similar fears, and others have simply told me that my story inspired them to schedule their mammogram or perform a self-exam. Knowing that my experience may help another woman catch breast cancer early or find comfort during her own battle has brought me a peace I never expected. If my story can save even one life or encourage one person not to ignore their body, then every vulnerable moment of sharing has been worth it.
Breast cancer has taught me to advocate for myself and to never ignore my instincts. That tiny lump I found during a routine self-exam changed the course of my life. Early detection gave me the opportunity to fight, and I pray my story encourages others to listen to their bodies and never put off getting checked.
This journey has changed me, but it has not defined me. I am more than a diagnosis. I am a wife, a mother, a friend, and above all, a child of God. Cancer may have changed my body, but it has strengthened my faith, deepened my compassion, and reminded me to cherish every single day.
I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds tomorrow. I will continue to trust God through every chemotherapy treatment, every radiation appointment, every scan, and every unknown. My prayer is that my story points others to hope, encourages women to prioritize their health, and reminds anyone facing a difficult season that even in life's hardest battles, God is faithful.
This is only one chapter of my story, not the ending. I truly believe that beauty can come from brokenness, purpose can come from pain, and hope can shine even in the darkest moments. My journey continues, and by God's grace, so will I.
