Tell us about your survivor journey.
My journey began on June 30th, 2016-the day after my 22nd birthday. After finding my lump that day (and completely by accident), things moved very quickly. From tests and a biopsy to diagnosis and meetings with doctors and surgeons, I was thrown into a world that I never imagined I’d experience. Within two months of finding my breast cancer I was having my first mastectomy and lymph node biopsy.
Now being three years out since diagnosis, I have experienced and overcome so much. Before my chemotherapy and radiation treatments I received the results of my genetics test and learned that I have the BRCA2 mutation. This knowledge led to my identical twin sister having her own prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction since she hasn’t the genetic mutation as well. I completed IVF to preserve some of my own eggs and embryos with my husband (then fiancé) just in case my reproductive organs were damaged after chemo. I eventually completed a mastectomy of my remaining breast to get rid of any more risk of breast cancer and have now finished reconstruction of both breasts.
Today I am happily married to my husband, just recently celebrating our first anniversary. We have high hopes for the future and look forward to growing our family. Though I still undergo hormone treatments, I feel that the rough times of cancer are behind me.
What has been the biggest source of support through your journey?
Through my journey, the biggest source of support has been my family, my friends and community. It has always been hard for me to ask for help with things, so when my whole community stepped up in support of me and my husband, I was overcome with love and gratitude. Above even that however, was my faith in Christ. My faith carried me through with complete positivity and courage to face whatever came my way.
What are some lessons you have learned throughout your survivor journey?
Through it all, I have learned that I am stronger than I ever imagined. I learned the importance of self-awareness me self-care. I have always had the tendency to overload myself, and to be honest I am still working to improve in this area. When going through my cancer journey I was practically forced to slow down and allow myself time to recuperate.
Finally, I learned that a positive outlook can determine how hard the fight is.
Do you have any advice for a newly diagnosed survivor? What would that advice be and why?
To a newly diagnosed survivor, I would urge them to reach out to other survivors that are or were in a similar situation to them. Being as young as I was at diagnosis, I didn’t find many women right away that could share in my experience. Eventually I did and it gave me a completely unique kind of comfort that I could not get from someone who has not gone through breast cancer.
In the space below, feel free to add any additional information like extra stories, lessons to live by, meaningful life quotes, advice or unique factors that contribute to your survivor journey.
From the start of my journey, my family has always encouraged and reminded me that I can now do my best to help other women who are experiencing the same thing I did. I try to do this as often as possible. One way that I have been given the opportunity to help other women is through my new job at Front Room Underfashions. I first went to Front Room as a customer to get my prosthesis, mastectomy bras and more after my first surgery. Now I am an employee at Front Room where I interact with survivors every day. I try to be an open book for their questions and to help them overcome the fears and challenges that I know about all too well. This is such a rewarding opportunity for me and I am so happy to share my story.
Front Room Underfashions
Address: 727 Lincoln Ct B, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: (517) 332-3294
Website: https://www.frontroomunderfashions.com/
