Describe your journey to diagnosis
My journey to diagnosis was pretty challenging. I was this 30-year-old young woman who was living a fun, vibrant life. I was a working mother with a lot of dreams and hopes for my future when my whole world began to crumble and I had to face reality.
I was having sharp pains in my breast and I did my own self-examination to find the lump. I went to the hospital and they had me follow up with my OB-GYN. At the OB-GYN, they did a hand-examination as well. Since I was 30 years old, I’d never had a mammogram, but I was sent to a surgical specialist to get an ultrasound.
In the office all seemed fine. The ultrasound seemed to be normal and it looked like a cyst. The doctor said just to be sure, let’s do a biopsy to see if it’s cancerous.. I agreed to a biopsy andI waited for about 3-4 days. I wasn’t really too worried after he said it may be a cyst.
I was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer and although I was told by the doctor that there were different types of cancer, I didn’t hear any of that.
My heart left my chest.
I blanked out. I was in total shock! All I could hear was CANCER!
I was told I needed surgery and to start treatment immediately. I was lost, scared and I didn’t know what the future looked like for me anymore.
He was explaining what stage and type of breast cancer I had but I truly lost it! I thought I was going to die. All I heard was cancer and in that moment, I felt like my life was over. I couldn’t even utter the word cancer or I would burst out in tears. It took me a while to even talk about it. About a month later, I proceeded with surgery, chemo and radiation treatment.
As a young woman, I knew in my heart I wanted to have another child in the near future. I didn’t have that option. At the time I was single. I didn’t have the money and my cancer was aggressive. There wasn’t enough time. I had to make up my mind. I proceeded with treatment in hopes of one day getting that chance to be a mommy again.
What has been your biggest challenge on your journey?
My biggest challenge on my journey is knowing that I have stage IV and my life expectancy has been shortened. One day I might not be around for my children. Here I am today 36 with stage IV breast cancer and pregnant. Not the normal thing for an average pregnant woman. I had a lot of emotions in the beginning. Wondering if the baby was ok. If I’ll be alright. Can I make it the whole nine months of pregnancy? Did the treatments I had previously already affect the baby?
What are you most grateful for?
I’m grateful to be alive and for God giving me a chance to be around for my children. I am trusting God through this pregnancy! I can’t wait to hold my bundle of joy! I am so blessed to be able to give birth once again!
What keeps you going on your bad days?
On my bad days, I think about the many women I may inspire just from sharing my story. Me being alive shows them to have strength, hope and faith that there is a God. That He is with us throughout all our troubles.
What have you learned about yourself on your journey?
I have learned not to get upset so easily. I have learned to stay around positive people. I learned I love to travel, meet new friends and just enjoy life! I’ve also become a social butterfly! I overcame a lot of my fears!
How has MBC changed your perspective on life?
To live life to the fullest because tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us! My trust in God is bigger than any of it! So my faith is stronger than ever! My faith over rules my fears! I am building my legacy for my family and my baby to see!
What do you want the world to know about living with MBC?
Living with MBC has been one of the biggest challenges in my life. Living with this disease has definitely put my faith to test but as long as I’m here, I am living! I am going to live and not die! I am not wishing the worse for my life. I am praying and trusting God for the best. He has the last and final say over my life!
What advice do you have for early-stagers, some who are afraid to learn about MBC?
There is nothing wrong with learning about MBC in the early stages. It just prepares you on what to look out for. Early detection is always better prevention, but learning is power!
Describe life before MBC in one word? Describe life after MBC in one?
Before MBC my one word is “Survivor.” I was a woman who had breast cancer that survived it and beat it! I didn’t want to look back. All I saw was a better future! After MBC I am a “Thriver.” I’m a thriver because each and everyday I am pushing through the odds to beat this thing and live a long prosperous life with me and my family. I want to watch my boys grow up. I want to see them get married. I want to be there for my grandchildren one day.
