What was your journey to diagnosis? Initial symptoms?

I was getting ready for work and found a lump in my right breast while taking a shower. I had no symptoms or pain — just the lump.
Feb 2018, I was diagnosed with triple negative metaplastic (rare TNBC subtype) breast cancer, stage 3C, BRCA2.

Metaplastic breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Often it is triple negative. There are a number of sub-types including spindle cell, squamous cell and matrix producing. The hallmark of MpBC tumors is the mixture of cell types not found in more common forms of breast cancer. Metaplastic tumors will include both epithelial (glandular) cells and mesenchymal (bone, skin and muscular) cells. Normal breast cancer will be made up only of the glandular (epithelial) cells.

I’m the only one in my family who has had breast cancer and positive for the BRCA2 gene at the moment.

What was your treatment plan?

I had a single mastectomy with lymph nodes removal, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, a preventative single mastectomy and preventative oophorectomy (due to finding out that I had the BRCA2 gene). I also completed one year of a clinical trial and am currently receiving infusions every 6 months for 3 years.

How did your diagnosis change your life?

This whole experience has taught me so much. It has taught me to be grateful for everything. The air you breathe — you are still alive and living! To live in the moment and make every day count. To put my energy on things that makes me happy.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far?

Fighting to stay alive after being stripped down to my core by cancer. By staying positive and having faith. Keeping up with my dancing, meditation, and gratitude practice has helped me immensely.

What do you know now that you wish you knew before?

That young women get cancer too and no one is invisible to this disease.

Take care of our mind, not just our body.

Pain is inevitable.

It’s okay to not be okay.

What advice do you have for other young women?

My advice to other young women is to give yourselves a breast self-examination every month. Set a reminder on your calendar. Always advocate for yourself, you are your biggest cheerleader. Surround yourself with women who are going through it, who understands you. Always try to find something that you are grateful for everyday. To love yourself and always remember that self care is so important.