As a young, healthy and vibrant woman I never imagined that I would have breast cancer. Of course I performed my monthly breast exams but it was more of a reason to answer yes when asked by my OB-GYN at my annual exam. The fact that most of my father's family had some sort of cancer never crossed my mind.

On February 17, 2008, I noticed a sizable and tender lump in my right breast. This was just about one month after having a mammogram and ultrasound on the very same breast. They were done to check a lump that was seen on a baseline mammogram I had done at the request of my OB-GYN. I had just seen my surgeon a week prior to get the results from a biopsy. As it turns out, that lump was a fibronoma. I prayed that this lump was nothing as well.

My surgeon assured me that the lump was a cyst. We decided to watch it and that I should come back in six months for a follow up. Well, in those six months the lump grew and became very painful. As part of my follow up, I had to have another mammogram and ultrasound, at which time the radiologist informed me that the lump was not a cyst and that I should have a biopsy. My surgeon decided to remove the lump. After hours of surgery, the initial pathology report came back and the results were that the lump was benign. On August 13, 2008, all alone, I went in for my follow up exam. I was told that I had breast cancer.

Although I started this journey alone I have not been alone since my diagnosis. I have had an entourage of family, friends and co-workers that have been there holding my hand the entire way. God's grace and their love and support have comforted me throughout my journey. I have learned so much about myself, others and cancer. I have vowed to be a voice for breast cancer and an even louder voice for TNBC. I know that my journey is just beginning and that my life will never be the same. Currently I am still in treatment and look forward to completing my mission.

< back