Tell us about your diagnosis.
I was a week past by 41st birthday when I found a pea sized lump while showering. I had one mammogram 3 years before due to dense tissue. I was able to get into get another within a week of discovering my lump. From there everything was a whirlwind! A coworker of my mom was a breast cancer survivor, and I went straight from my appointment. She picked up the phone and called her surgeon, gave them my info and handed me the phone. I was told that if they saw “anything” I would hear from them right away. I did. I went from mammography to appointment in the morning, biopsy in the afternoon (on Monday)… and results at noon on Wednesday! Triple negative DCIS.
What was your first thought when diagnosed?
Honestly, my first thought involved a phrase that has become my mantra. It is similar to “cancer messed with the wrong girl!” In the two days between biopsy and diagnosis I made the decision to remove everything. So when my doctors sat across from me telling me I just got the news and I didn’t need to make a decision, I firmly told her that my decision was made before I walked into the room. When we met for the next step I assured her that I hadn’t changed my mind.
Tell us about your journey.
I decided to do this to celebrate my 15 year marker. February 2026 is a huge milestone! I went though that 1st year of appointments, surgery, chemotherapy (and complications that went with it) one hurdle at a time. It all blurs, my son was 9 when we began this. I only remember things like letting my nieces shave my head. I tired to always keep laughing even if it is through tears. I always knew that I would be ok. I felt it in my heart.
What is your most vivid memory of your cancer journey?
The people that supported me. My family and friends mean the world to me! I am blessed!
What would you share with someone else who is on this journey?
Keep your sense of humor, laugh every chance you get. Laughter truly is medicine. Put your trust in God.