I was at work when my cell phone began to vibrate, the vibration made me jump and my hands started to shake as I ran from my desk to answer the call from my doctors office. I had been waiting on the results of my pathology report from my needle biopsy. I stood by my car in the parking lot clutching my phone, tears running down my face, as I listened to the voice on the other end say “ you have invasive ductal carcinoma," why me? How could I have CANCER? The six letter word nearly brought me to my knees. I was also triple positive, which is an aggressive form of breast cancer.
I had gone in for a mammogram after finding a lump that my doctor originally thought was a cyst. I’ve had a history of breast cyst so my doctor was not that alarmed.Once he performed the mammogram and needle biopsy,he told me that he believed the tumor was cancerous but needed further testing. I was devastated after the appointment, my world stood still and I felt like I was standing in the eye of a storm.
At 34, I was a single mother on the go. I had relocated only five months prior to my diagnosis. I was in search of change and a better quality of life for my son. I never thought that I would be facing a battle for my life. As I look back, after completing 6 rounds of chemotherapy, I remain hopeful because the fight is far from over. When I initially started chemo I saw no end in sight, that light at the end of the tunnel didn’t seem possible. It’s been a rough road but I’ve fought through the ugly side effects, needle pricks, and doctors’ visits. There were times that I felt defeated but remained optimistic and decided to trust God because he has the final word. I will continue to fight cancer, with everything in me because I have too much to live for and I no longer take life for granted.
Columbia, SC
