Care, Stories Not too long ago, I celebrated my 50th birthday. While many people bemoan this milestone, I made every effort to relish in the fact that I had made it! I am, after all, a two-time breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed with triple negative cancer in January 2008 with a recurrence in 2014, cancer has been part of my life for many years. I was 38 when I found a fairly large lump (1.9 cm) in my right breast. I have no idea why, but fortunately I did not hesitate to call the doctor. In less than a month I was diagnosed and had a lumpectomy. Surgery was followed by six rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. I became a unique patient in my smaller city. Every appointment I went to- oh, you’re the one that has triple negative breast cancer, you are so young! I was one of the first women to get a breast MRI at our local hospital- it was miserable. Thank goodness, things have changed tremendously since then and treatment options are much better and more reliable. Fast forward about 5 years and even though I was physically doing well, emotionally the constant follow up appointments and tests were beginning to take their toll. Although I was extremely appreciative of the cautious acts of my caregivers, the constant barrage of ultrasounds, MRIs, mammograms and biopsies became a huge stressor in my life. I also knew that this was something that I did have some control over and began looking into the option of radical mastectomy and reconstruction. After many supportive discussions with my surgeon and oncologist, I decided to pursue this option. Due to having had radiation, I knew I was in for a long haul with the high possibility of many complications. However, I knew it is what I needed to do and began the journey in November 2013. The worst complication imaginable came on April 1, 2014 (yes, April Fool’s Day!), after having a radical mastectomy I still had a recurrence! The tumor was on my lumpectomy scar and discovered during a reconstruction surgery. It was tiny, only .04 cm, and I had no other metastases but I still did chemotherapy again due to the aggressiveness of triple negative cancer. Cancer is an ugly thing, but it did teach me several things along the way-perseverance, self-reliance, humility, positive attitude, patience, and the fact that I am not always in control. On the flip side it taught me that I can rely on others for support and that faith and attitude don’t mean everything will go your way, but that you do have tools to handle those difficult times. I have been able to support many friends through their journeys. Because of my experiences, I was asked to serve on the hospital’s Patient Advisory Council. I have had the opportunity to share my story many times in many different scenarios and hope that it has uplifted many people. I even picked the popular heated recliners in the new cancer center that opened in our city! Although, I never want to sit in them, I am glad they are a comfort to many, many people. Soon, I will turn 51 years old. The same age my Dad was when he died of colon cancer. I will be grateful to get past this year to 52 and hopefully have no more cancer issues. In the meantime, I will try to be grateful for every day I have with my family and friends! I will continue to help those that I can through their journeys and be a support to those that need me. I may never know why I developed cancer twice, but I know that I am meant to be here and have a purpose. Wherever you are in your journey, you have a purpose. I pray that you find it and capitalize on it. << Previous Post Trading Assumptions for Data at... Komen Blog Read More Next Post >> A Woman’s Role in Her... Komen Blog Read More Related Stories Previous Next Komen Blog Chief Scientific Advisors Update on... Read More Komen Blog Stand for H.E.R. (Health Equity... Read More Komen Blog Komen Scholar Dr. Ann Partridge... Read More Komen Blog An MBC Diagnosis and Job... Read More Komen Blog The Importance of Clinical Trials... Read More Komen Blog Jennifer and Angelo Merendino Used... Read More Komen Blog You’re Not Alone; Susan G.... Read More Komen Blog How Biking Helped Me Through... Read More Komen Blog Why All Moms Should Know... Read More Komen Blog Biosimilars May Give Doctors More... Read More Komen Blog Is it Possible to Stop... Read More Komen Blog Chaunte Lowe Knows How to... Read More Komen Blog Breast Cancer, Chemo, and COVID-19,... Read More Komen Blog Time to Unite Behind Patient-Centered... Read More Komen Blog From All Of Us At... Read More Komen Blog Omnibus COVID-19 Economic Relief, Appropriations... Read More Komen Blog Komen Urges Expansion of Family... Read More Komen Blog The Moment That Changed Everything... Read More