I’m writing this because I want to share my experience with breast cancer. It’s been a challenging journey, but also one that has taught me a lot about myself and the importance of connection. At the beginning of this year I went in for my yearly routine mammogram. I typically post a reminder on my socials reminding the importance of mammograms as I’ve lost my aunt to breast cancer. I always feared one day it would be me and perhaps that’s why I’ve been so proactive since the age of 36. This year I got the worst news after an abnormal mammogram screening. I had a biopsy and ultrasound which confirmed I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Her 2+ Breast Cancer. The initial diagnosis was terrifying. I felt so overwhelmed and lost, not knowing where to start. I’ve had moments of sadness, anger, and fear, but I’ve also found strength I never knew I had. The treatment has been tough. My mass was found in my right breast and I’ve been undergoing chemo since April. I have weekly chemo treatments of Taxol and Herceptin which have been unbelievably hard on my body and has caused me several side effects ones so severe that have landed me in the hospital. This has caused a plethora of emotional, mental and financial distress on my family. I’ve experienced fatigue, hair loss, and other side effects that are too graphic to mention at this time. It’s changed my body, but I’m learning to love and accept it. I’m so grateful for my family, friends, and the amazing healthcare team who have supported me every step of the way. Through my allergic reactions to having to skip a week of treatment because my body was signaling it couldn’t keep going was terrifying to say the least. I’ve never been so scared in my life. Even though it’s been a difficult journey, I’m determined to live life to the fullest. I’ve learned to appreciate the small things and to focus on what truly matters. Tory has been so strong but the truth is he’s had his own set of struggles and challenges with being the only income and trying so hard to keep himself together so he can perform well at work! Which btw I’m so proud of his strength and courage during this difficult chapter in our lives. Sometimes I think work keeps him sane until he gets home and faces reality. I know I couldn’t do this journey without him he’s been so incredibly supportive but I worry about him everyday since my diagnosis.
I have an upcoming surgery in August to have a double mastectomy in hopes that will lessen the chances of this reoccurring later on. The surgery will be 8 hours and the recovery will be 8-10 weeks.
Thank you for any financial support you can provide and know that the power of prayer is real and free so I’ll take that over anything else right now!
I plan to record a video once I’ve recovered from surgery to share my journey in length but for now this is what I feel comfortable sharing during this difficult time. Once I’m 100% I will be able to talk in depth about my journey in hopes to spread the word of how important mammograms truly are and can save your life like it did mine!
Sending love and light to all who took the time to come read this chapter of my story and donate! My motto is “keep going” and that’s exactly what I intend on continuing to do! Don’t forget to pray for me no matter the religion I welcome it all!
