I was 33 when I founda lump in my breast, and I didnt think much of it.
I didnt think the lump in my breast was going to be anything either.
But one day after work, it was hurting, so I went to a minor-emergency clinic.
Courtesy of Sarah Jackson
I didnt believe him.
They came and the doctor confirmed it: I had stage II breast cancer.
I instantly felt like I was going to die.
I have five children, and my youngest had just turned 1 the month before.
When I had to tell them, I promised myself I wouldnt cry, but I bawled.
I told them I would be OK, but I was so scared.
I felt so helpless knowing that the cancer was killing me and I wasnt doing anything to stop it.
Getting my treatment plan12 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a bilateralmastectomywith reconstructionand eventually starting it helped.
After the hysterectomy, my doctor found that thebreast cancer had metastasizedto my ovaries.
Thats when my diagnosis changed totriple-positive stage IV breast cancer.
It was really hard.
It took me into one of the most mentally trying times of my life.
And to be honest, until earlier this year, I was still stuck in that place.
I felt darkness and had no hope for the future.
I didnt want to plan.
All of this weighed on me.
It gave us the opportunity to educate our community about MBC and raise funds while having fun.
Ive had no evidence of active disease since 2019.
I go for scans every few monthsmy next ones are in February.
I always give a shot to go optimistically and say, Im going to go claim those clear results.
Its so important to be optimistic and keep your faith.
Be an advocate for yourself.
Know all of your options.
And dont be afraid of the future.
For more information on metastatic breast cancer, visit Susan G. Komen.
Jillian Krameris a journalist who writes about health, wellness, science, and adventure.
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