I am sharing my story with the hope that someone else can relate and that it may be helpful.  The diagnosis was heart-wrenching, of course. I was lucky to have very supportive family members and friends while going through treatment. Following the lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy,  the pathology indicated that the standard of care, based on my oncotype score, was to have 6 treatments of chemotherapy,  29 sessions of daily radiation, and Tamoxifen daily for five to 10 years. The chemo part scared me to death - my score was a 20 which was on the borderline for my age and diagnosis.  If I chose to include chemotherapy in my treatment plan, I would have a 10% chance of recurrence; if I chose to not include  the chemo, I would have a 17% chance of recurrence. As a mathematician, I decided the odds were close enough that I would not use chemotherapy.   Some people thought I was crazy for not doing it and some were happy I chose not to do it, but the only person’s opinion which mattered was, ultimately, mine.  I knew I would be okay if I didn't include the chemo and the cancer returned..Two years after my choice, I do catch myself thinking about my cancer coming back; moreso, I appreciate and am present in my life in a way I wasn’t prior to my diagnosis. Every day I am diligent with my doctor's appointments, scans, and meds.  I have never felt sick or been in pain or tired throughout these past two years and I'm grateful for that.  I know I am doing the best I can when the “what-ifs” sneak up on me. I am honored to represent Susan G. Komen as a Warrior in Pink and proud to say I’ve raised over $11,000 in donations to this life-saving organization since 2022.Let's see what 2024 brings!

This year, I joined the ONE Komen community and registered for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk.  I am dedicated to Komen's ONE 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 treatment assistance program, or help navigating their care journey, Komen will be there for them.

In moments like this, 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 a donation today?