In 2011 I was inspired to do the Susan G. Komen 3-Day after watching my lifelong friend participate. I had friends affected by breast cancer and something inside of me screamed “YOU HAVE TO DO THIS WALK!!!!” I immediately signed up for the 2012 event, and it was such an amazing experience.
Just six months later, in May 2013, my life changed forever. I went in for a baseline mammogram, not because of any issues (I felt great), but because I turned 40. That mammogram saved my life! Several suspicious lumps were found in my left breast and after a biopsy I was told I had Stage 1B HER/2 +++ Breast Cancer. The lumps were so deep they could not be felt with a self exam. My cancer was growing at a rate of 25% and if I had waited a couple more months to have a mammogram my circumstances would not have been good. It is so scary to think I may not have been around for my amazing husband and three awesome kiddos. After all, they are my life.
Without a second thought I opted for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Within a month of diagnosis I had a double mastectomy. Due to a 0.6 mm spec of cancer in my left sentinel node, I needed six rounds of chemotherapy and one year of Herceptin. My husband was by my side at every appointment and chemotherapy; he is my rock.
Cancer did not stop me from the 2013 3-Day walk. I was honored with raising the Remembrance Flag at the opening ceremony. It was the most emotional event in my life surrounded by those that I love most. I had just undergone my fifth chemo, and am proud to say I walked 30 of the 60 miles. When I no longer had strength to walk, my amazing teammates pushed me in a wheelchair so I could finish the event.
I have now finished chemotherapy, Herceptin treatments, and underwent reconstructive surgery last month. I'm currently gearing up for my third 3-Day walk and feel wonderful!
God is Good!
Sunnyvale, TX
