Sometimes your path in life is chosen for you.

Just last year, I was making huge strides in my life. At the age of 35, I graduated with my masters degree after taking ten years to complete my undergrad. My focus was on everyone and everything else: my kids, marriage and career growth. So the fact that I finally took time for myself to check things off my bucket list was a major victory. I took a chance and switched careers after 14 years in banking to work in healthcare, although I was not aware of why this switch was necessary.

Then, my world was rocked and I had to fight to survive.

I woke up on Sept. 14 with blood discharging from my breast and the following week, I was having a meeting about treatment and surgery. Sept. 20, 2020, I was diagnosed with stage 1 IDC (Invasive-Ductal Carcinoma) in my right breast. At 36, I was preparing myself to have my right breast removed. For a month I spent every week at doctors’ offices for testing, biopsies and discussions with my medical team.

Many thought I would lose it and breakdown, but working in healthcare prepared me for this journey. So instead of having a breakdown I decided to plan, research and prepare.

After my mastectomy, I was informed my breast had many cancer cells and so deciding to remove my entire breast was the best decision for me. My final diagnosis was stage I IDC- triple negative breast cancer.

I am often asked about my journey and instead of giving the day to day details of depression, worrying and anger, I would rather highlight the superpowers I gained and continue to gain from this journey.

When anyone hears the word “cancer” their first thought is DEATH.

I remember the day I was told I had breast cancer. I woke up at 4 AM and decided to play Anita Baker and cry. By the time I arrived at my appointment that morning, my mood switched up and I was blasting Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt album. I walked into the breast center, hoodie on, headphones blasting and in my zone. My husband was right behind me as if we were walking into a boxing match.

I, the healthcare worker, became the patient, and things felt different. 

I had my notes and questions ready because I was determined to be in control of my treatment plan. I did research on every doctor on my medical team and discussed each one with my surgeon. 

Often, patients feel helpless and unaware they have the right to ask questions. 

I wanted to make sure it was understood that I was more than just a Black woman with cancer; I am a mother, wife and warrior. 

So, treat me as you would treat your own family because I MATTER.

Always remember you are your biggest advocate and remain unapologetic at all times.

As of May 28, 2021, I officially finished chemotherapy and I’m preparing for breast reconstruction. This journey has truly been a rollercoaster: two emergency surgeries, chemo delayed three times and both of my kids contracting COVID during my treatment. 

Despite the challenges and obstacles, I remained focused on the long-term goal. No matter what was in front of me, I made up my mind to approach it with style and grace. 

I made every chemo session a dance session by recording TikTok videos and created a playlist for every emotion. Depending on my mood of the day I could play R&B music and other days I would play “twerk” music. 

I was Michelle before cancer, and I was determined to stay that way no matter what, even on my deathbed.

My kids and I would have spontaneous dance battles every week just because I wanted them to know that no matter how my physical appearance might change, I was still the mom they knew.

Somedays, I would be too sick to be hands on, but they were my motivation to push through the pain. In their eyes, I am SUPERWOMAN, their #1 fan, supporter, protector, and I wasn’t allowing cancer to take that from me. 

I talked to them daily about their feelings, gave them freedom to ask questions about my illness, and I even started teaching my daughter how to do a self-breast exam herself. It is my job to make sure she is fully educated because she is part of my journey. Since I was diagnosed at 36, she will start having mammograms at 25.

One of the hardest things about having breast cancer is knowing this journey doesn’t stop with me; it will forever be a topic of conversation as my daughter grows into a young woman.

Breast cancer does not define me. I was Superwoman before cancer, the only difference is I earned my pink cape!