Care, Stories Everyone has a story. For me, there is a certain catharsis in speaking about it…in a way a sense of a burden being lifted. I have always been interested in the study of epidemiology as far as I can remember and even after college, I continued to focus my career on clinical research and public health. Strangely, I have always had an awareness of breast cancer, but I never thought that I could be one of its statistics. I have no history of breast cancer and practice an active, healthy lifestyle. In 2008, I felt chest pains and something unusual in my breast. I really had no clue what would happen and was terrified. Two weeks later I was diagnosed with Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and soon after had a skin sparing mastectomy with lymph nodes removed. I didn’t know that I would be able to endure all that chemotherapy, radiotherapy, adjuvant hormonal therapy, surgeries, and hospitalizations. All I can tell you is this — I am 42 years old today and have carried scars from my cancer inside and outside when I barely just turned 31 years old. I didn’t realize how closely connected my breasts, hair on my head, eyebrows, and eyelashes were to my sense of self and femininity until I was faced with losing them. Sometimes, I look at myself and wonder what my life would be like if I never had breast cancer. And you know what…I would not have changed anything. I am always learning about myself, my strength, and my resilience. I want you to know I kicked cancer and now work for a leading medical technology company focused on improving women’s health and being! << Previous Post Susan G. Komen Advocates Take... Komen Blog Read More Next Post >> Every Elected Official Should Support... Komen Blog Read More Related Stories Previous Next Komen Blog Komen Advocating for Diagnostic Legislation... Read More Komen Blog Kindness Comes Full Circle Read More Jenni Autry How Your Generosity is Funding... Read More Komen Blog Embracing the Journey Read More Komen Blog I Help Others Heal But... Read More Komen Blog What Happens Next –Follow-up Care... Read More Komen Blog Managing Menopause- Komen Perspectives Read More Komen Blog The Breasties Read More Komen Blog Communicating With Your Health Care... Read More Komen Blog Helping Warriors Move Read More Komen Blog Power Lines, Pesticides and Breast... Read More Komen Blog Komen Scholar, Dr. Bryan Schneider... Read More Komen Blog My Cancer Diary Read More Komen Blog I Never Thought I’d Be... Read More Komen Blog Making Masks Brings Together Longtime... Read More Komen Blog I Feel Lucky My Doctor... Read More Komen Blog Breast Surgeon and Cancer Researcher... Read More Komen Blog Mission Badge Read More