I have always been a reserved person by nature. My family often jokes about how much I keep to myself. So, it’s quite unusual for me to openly share my story like this. A lot has changed since that fateful day when I received my Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. It was February 22, 2022, and I was only 37 years old at the time.
I vividly remember waking up with a headache on that day, but I didn’t think much of it initially. I went about my day at work as usual. I’m a senior revenue cycle manager, and I was working in-person at a practice back then. Something felt off, so I asked a medical assistant to check my blood pressure. To my surprise, it was alarmingly high at 160 over 100 (normal blood pressure for adults being less than 120 over less than 80).
Feeling concerned, I rushed to urgent care during my lunch break. The medical staff there found my blood pressure to be even higher, and they advised me to go to the hospital immediately. I hesitated, thinking about picking up my kids from school, but they insisted on calling an ambulance due to the severity of my condition. I contacted my husband to pick up our three children (ages 18, 11, and 10) while I sought medical attention.
At the hospital, I underwent various tests, and a chest X-ray revealed a mass in my breast. The news was delivered to me by a young, visibly nervous doctor. I remained calm in the moment, finding it hard to believe that it could be cancer. However, reality sunk in when further scans showed that the cancer had already spread to multiple areas in my body, including my lymph nodes, ribs, hips, shoulder, and neck.
I sought a second opinion from another healthcare provider, as I felt the initial doctor’s approach lacked empathy and thoroughness. The new provider made me feel supported, addressing not only my medical needs but also my emotional well-being and family situation. The holistic care I received from the new team gave me hope and a sense of empowerment to fight the disease.
Since then, I have been undergoing chemotherapy, injections, and oral medication to combat the cancer. The journey has been challenging, with physical side effects like nail and hair loss, neuropathy, vomiting, and fatigue. Despite the difficulties, I remain determined to reach remission and celebrate the end of my chemotherapy sessions.
Throughout this ordeal, I have leaned on my faith and the unwavering support of my family, especially my husband. I’ve learned to be more vulnerable and accept help from others, ultimately realizing that strength lies in openness and connection. My family organized a fundraiser event to support me, which initially made me hesitant but turned out to be a heartwarming display of community love and solidarity.
As I continue my fight against cancer, I’ve embraced the importance of presence and vulnerability. I now prioritize being there for my family and allowing myself to rest when needed. This journey has taught me that true strength comes from sharing our experiences and accepting support from those around us.
