I was 17 years old the first time I was diagnosed with Cancer in 1993. I had Hodgkins Lymphoma. After 11 weeks of radiation therapy, I was in remission for 12 years.
In the fall of 2005, when I was 29 years old, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of Hodgkins. I was married by this time in my life. My son was 4 and my daughter was 13 months old. I had to fight for my family. I went through 6 months of chemotherapy and was in remission again.
Seven years later, after 6 months of unexplained headaches, in May of 2013, I was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor, the size of an egg on my cerebellum. The tumor was believed to be a result of the radiation I had had 20 years prior. I had a resection of the tumor, it was removed and no further treatment was necessary.
In March of 2014, just 10 short months later, while doing a self breast exam, I had a bloody nipple discharge. I was diagnosed with stage II invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast. I opted for the double mastectomy immediately. After talking with my surgeon and the odds she gave me of it recurring or happening in the other breast, I knew I made the right decision. I underwent genetic testing to determine if I was carrying the BRCA gene. I had to know for my children. Thankfully all of the genetic testing was negative. I was blessed that I did not have to have chemo or radiation. My oncologist feels very strongly that the breast cancer I had was also secondary to the radiation I had in 1993 just like the brain tumor.
I finished my last semester of college in Summer 2014. All this while battling breast cancer. Never give up on your dreams.
The tumor in my breast couldn't be felt, it was only seen on a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. I urge all women to do self exams and get regular mammograms.
My faith in GOD has carried me through this storm.
Creedmoor, NC
