On April 25th 2012 I found out right away during a biopsy that I had stage 1 breast cancer, it was confirmed from pathology 2 days later. Entering my 30's it was always such a huge fear since my mom passed away at age 35 from breast cancer when I was 15. I had been having mammograms since I was 22.
I believe my daughter Karysnn Lily to be my miracle baby. In March of 2012 she was born 6 weeks premature. Staying by a large facility I decided to get a tiny bump looked at that I thought was a clogged milk duct. After everything, that bump was nothing and in a different area the breast cancer was found. On May 16th I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction just 3 days before my oldest daughters graduation ceremony. Nothing was going to stop me from being there, I was THERE, with a smile on my face! Trying to heal from my mastectomy and take care of an infant definitely was a challenge but with my fiance, my kids, family, and friends we all got through it! They are all my heroes!
Though many tears,I tried to remain positive no matter what! Driving 10,000 miles that year to over 60 doctor appointments, 4 surgeries that year I was so HAPPY to be done and be a survivor! My fiance was my rock taking me to every surgery and being the first face to see when I woke up. He even stayed up the entire night after my mastectomy pushing the pain medication button for me just so I could get sleep! Wiped tears, made me smile, and always there hugging me! He truly is amazing!
We were so blessed to have yet another baby girl born in April of this year! Charlee Mae is 6 months old now!
My WHOLE experience inspired me to write a booklet to help women going through a mastectomy!
I truly believe that surrounding yourself with POSITIVE people, and having a POSITIVE attitude make a huge difference! I LOVE PINK!
Minneapolis, MN
