It all started in January 2011 around the time of my second child's first birthday. Little did I know my life was about to be turned upside down. I was 27, married with two kids age 3 and 1, working and also attending college full time. I discovered a lump which ended up being breast cancer. I finished all my college courses early so that I could get a double mastectomy in April.
I spent my summer between working, raising my kids and chemo. I often would try to raise the spirits of the doctors and nurses around me thinking how hard a job they must have. Since my immune system was down I did end up with pneumonia and shingles. Next up was about two months of radiation treatments. I would drive 30 minutes to drop the kids off at day care and go to work then at lunch drive the same distance to treatment and then back to work to finish my day before returning home. I met an older lady whom shared many stories of her childhood which were fascinating. She always spoke of her earrings so I bought her a pair and her face lit up so bright, it was a very touching moment.
I now am 3 years out and will be taking tamoxifen for another 7 years. Through this experience I have met so many amazing people. The support I received in various forms from family, friends, co-workers, daycare, church, stylists, and even strangers is truly overwhelming. It would be a lie to say that breast cancer recurrence doesn't come to mind on a daily basis but I push those thoughts away. Worrying about the future does not change the future it only takes away from the joy of today. Nobody knows when their time will be up we could step out the door and get into a car and that could be it.
This has taught me to enjoy every moment in your life. Everyone is fighting their own battle so be kind to one another.
Sanford, ME
