"I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and would like to share my story with you. Before the breast cancer diagnosis, I thought I was doing everything I needed to do to take care of my health. I lived an active lifestyle with plenty of visits to the gym, made healthy food choices, and at forty, started yearly mammograms. This, I thought, was enough.

An abnormal mammogram required me to follow up in six months, but after just three months something felt very wrong in my body. The symptoms I was experiencing finally compelled my Internist to order a CT scan and the lump was discovered just one day before my scheduled six month follow up. On July 3rd, biopsy results confirmed my fears. I had breast cancer.

I sprang into action, following instructions given to me by medical professionals and conducting my own research. I already knew about the lymph node involvement. I soon learned that my particular tumor is triple positive. That means, it is positive for hormone receptors. The estrogen and progesterone in my body causes the cancer to grow. The HER2 positive means that it is an aggressive cancer, fueled by protein. My treatment plan includes six rounds of chemotherapy, nineteen rounds of medication to target the HER2, a lumpectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy. It is a long path to recovery but my life, every woman’s life, is worth the fight.

By the end of breast cancer awareness month I will be nearing the final treatment of what many say is the worst part, chemotherapy. I do so with a new sense of purpose—my story has already had a major impact on the lives of two women. Because of early detection, they have been spared chemotherapy! More importantly their action potentially saved their lives. Recently, I launched a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, and dozens more women have told me that my story inspired them to get their first mammogram. Each story I hear about women taking an active role in their breast health motivates and energizes me. This is my God given mission: To help save lives through early detection. Early detection is everything! I have to spread the word and get women to stand strong with me and fight breast cancer! Fight with me. Let’s end this together."


Credits: Lindsey Morgan Photography | jeanaes_melange