I have been happily married to my best friend for 23 years with two beautiful daughters, 19 & 12. Our lives completely changed on March 12, 2012. At the age of 43, I was diagnosed with Stage 1A triple negative breast cancer. I had just had a mammogram with normal results in November 2011. Because of my family history and my sister being a 5 year survivor at the time, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction followed by 6 rounds of chemo. No radiation was needed because there was no lymph node involvement.
Two days before my surgery, my boss called to tell me that my company was closing and my last day would be September 28. That meant no health insurance after the end of that month. I finished chemo on August 23 and had my final reconstructive surgery on September 12. So I was able to finish my treatment and reconstruction before my insurance ended. My company closed due to foreign competition, so I qualified for Trade benefits along with unemployment. In my job searches, I applied for a position with the state agency that administers the Trade benefits and got the job. I had to be covered by a health plan within 62 days or be faced with pre-existing conditions. My health benefits started on day 61. Is all this coincidence? Not hardly!
God is in control and without my faith, I don't know how I would have made it through some of the darkest days of my life. He blessed me with the most supportive husband, children, family and friends. My sister has also been there for me every step of the way. There is much more life ahead and I plan to live it to bring Him the glory!
Camden, SC
