At 34 years old and pregnant with my third child, I heard the words no woman wants to hear "you have breast cancer." Early in my third trimester, I found a lump in my breast and brought it to the attention of my OB doctor. Due to my history of benign cysts and being so late in my pregnancy, we decided to monitor it until after I had the baby. However at 36 weeks pregnant, I started having a bloody discharge from that breast. I had my 36 week check up on Monday, my OB doctor ordered for a breast ultrasound on Wednesday, then a breast biopsy on Thursday. On Friday we were called into the surgeon's office and was given the news that I had stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Three days later, we were blessed with a healthy baby boy. I wanted that next week to be about the joy of having this new blessing. However, we had to come to grips with my diagnosis and the plan of action to beat it. One of the hardest realizations for me was that I would only have about two weeks of breastfeeding before I had to start chemotherapy. The weeks leading up to my first chemo were the most emotional days of my life. I did have the pleasure of meeting an ovarian cancer survivor and Olympic gold medalist, Shannon Miller who really inspired me to be strong through this battle. Taking her advice, I decided to shave my head because that was one of the few things I could control during this journey. I had close friends and family come over and my sister shaved my head for me. I am now five weeks out from completing chemo and then I will be looking at a lumpectomy with follow up radiation. I have found peace during this journey through my almighty God. He has put people in my life to speak truth and encouragement, to bless us with acts of service and meals, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on Earth.

Kristin Pearson
Sumter, SC