For those who know me well, you may be surprised to see that heading as I am generally a positive, optimistic person. But I have been surrounded by cancer in my maternal family and it just always felt inevitable. I lost my grandmother to breast cancer, an uncle to prostate cancer, another uncle to bowl cancer, my grandfather survived prostate cancer and my mother has been living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia since her 30s. Not to mention losing my mother-in-law to breast cancer and my stepfather to sinus cancer. So, at 40, I scheduled my first mammogram and was happy to have it come back clean. Only 4 months later, I found a lump, and by July of 2023, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. I was 41. I know I will beat this, but it is something I will have to watch for for the rest of my life. My genetic testing came back negative, but with a marker we don’t yet know enough about. Although I’m exceptionally thankful for the great care and modern medicine I received, I believe with more research, we can do so much more – we can learn more about the genetics, the causes and the cure!
As I write this, I have only one more treatment of chemotherapy remaining. I’ve been at it for six months. Two rounds of two different drugs, six months of steroids, and an immunotherapy infusion that I will continue every three weeks for a year. I have to say that it is amazing how far we’ve come with treatments. The treatments are tailored to the type of cancer, the symptoms can be well managed, and it was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. I’ve been able to work through my treatments and keep up with most of my hobbies - staying physically and mentally active has been so important for me to get through this. The treatments have changed me, but I know it’s only temporary – I have less hair, a rounder face, and my apple watch keeps reminding me how high my heart rate is. After this final chemotherapy treatment, I will be exploring my surgery and radiation options. But I am bound and determined to be fit and ready to walk in the Susan G. Komen RACE FOR THE CURE May 4th. I am dedicated to Komen's ONE mission of ending breast cancer forever, and I need your help. Please consider joining our team and/or 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.
Team Captain
